Kenya to charge students with murder over deadly school fire: Kenyan prosecutors are preparing to charge eight students with murder following a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls' School that killed 16 pupils. The fire occurred on May 28th. In a related development, one student has been released after investigations found her not culpable, while eight others remain in detention. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has simultaneously instructed school principals to register all Grade 10 learners on the School-Based Assessment (SBA) portal by July 30. Luo nation will not take part in protests, MPs say: A group of Kenyan MPs from the Kenya Kwanza administration is urging the Luo nation to abstain from planned protests commemorating those killed in recent demonstrations. Nyando MP Okello is urging ODM supporters to halt protests and instead embrace government initiatives, stating the government has shown goodwill. Meanwhile, in Kisumu, hundreds of Gen Z youths opted for voter registration and ID services over protests on the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. Nationwide Matatu Strike Disrupts Kenya Over Rising Fuel Prices: Matatu operators across Kenya have initiated a nationwide strike to protest escalating fuel prices, causing significant transportation disruptions across the country. The demonstrations, initially seen in areas like Kitengela and Rongai, have seen police involvement in managing the situation. In Mlolongo, commuters have been unable to cross roads since 4:30 AM due to police action. Douglas Kanja stated that anyone arrested would face legal procedures to determine subsequent actions. Some operators have defiantly stated they are not afraid to speak the truth about their grievances. Meanwhile, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been criticized by a drivers' association for road blocks that are causing delays and corruption. Kenya hit by over 3b cyber-attack attempts in 3 months: Kenya has experienced a significant surge in cyber-attack attempts, with over 3 billion targeting government systems and digital infrastructure in just three months. This highlights the growing threat as the nation digitizes. Separately, Kenya has officially begun preparations to host the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026 in Nairobi, marking the first time the country will host this significant global event. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government aims to issue 3 million national identity cards by the end of the year, a significant increase attributed to digital reforms that have drastically reduced processing times. Victim Groups Protest Exclusion from Government Compensation Program: Some victims of protests that occurred two years ago are complaining about being excluded from the government's compensation program. They claim they have not received any response from the special committee designated to compensate victims, despite submitting their grievances. Victim groups are protesting the compensation system for the nationwide crisis, arguing that some individuals have been excluded. Meanwhile, 348 victims are set to receive KSh 448.7 million in the first phase of compensation, a significant development amid nationwide protests. Lawyer Nelson Havi has criticized the Kenyan government, alleging that it violates human rights and then uses taxpayer money for compensation. Families of Victims March Outside Kenya Parliament: Families of victims gathered outside Kenya's parliament on the road, seeking permission from the police to lay wreaths in honor of their loved ones. The mother of Rex Masai, a victim of alleged police brutality, has stated that mere compensation is insufficient and demanded accountability from the Government. Former Chief Justice David Maraga stated that compensation cannot replace a lost life during a discussion regarding the Justice for J.O. Legal Challenge. Jacinta Anyango is desperately seeking to identify the police officer responsible for the death of her son. Eugene Wamalwa, alongside the mother of Rex Masai and other victims' families, is marching in solidarity amidst a nationwide matatu strike in Kenya. Motorists Stranded as Police Mount Roadblocks Across Nairobi: Kenyan police set up roadblocks and blocked key entry points into Nairobi on Thursday, June 25, significantly disrupting transport for thousands of commuters on the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests. The National Police Service blocked access to Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) using the Public Order Act, causing significant traffic disruptions and forcing many commuters to walk. Security officers also erected roadblocks around the Westlands Roundabout in anticipation of Gen Z anniversary protests. We won't cheer failure: Standard Group hits back at Ruto's rant: The Standard Group PLC has responded strongly to remarks made by President William Ruto on his X account regarding their reporting on his administration. Separately, ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has urged the police to protect demonstrators planning to commemorate the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests, emphasizing that police officers are employees of the people and should facilitate peaceful protests. Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned citizens to avoid criminal elements during the planned June 25 protests, citing intelligence that some politicians may fund violence. Police Deploy Roadblocks and Arrest Journalist Ahead of Gen Z Anniversary: Security officers have erected roadblocks around the Westlands Roundabout in anticipation of Gen Z anniversary protests. Plainclothes police on motorbikes swept through Githurai, firing in the air. Police mistakenly arrested a journalist as they rounded up Gen Z protesters in Nairobi CBD. Chief Justice Martha Koome has reprimanded rogue police and the government for their alleged failures that led to the 2024 Gen-Z murders. Police are actively pursuing an alleged armed youth group following incidents that occurred amidst the 2024 commemoration of Gen-Z victims. Chief Justice Koome Urges IEBC to Bar Politicians Sponsoring Violence: Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for political aspirants found to be sponsoring violence to be barred from contesting in elections. She urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take decisive action against politicians sponsoring individuals who disrupt political gatherings and disturb peace. Youth from Embakasi, Nairobi, have issued a warning to protesters, urging them to refrain from destroying property during the upcoming Gen Z demonstrations scheduled for Thursday. The Kirinyaga County commissioner warns against violent protests on Thursday.
