Fear mounts over disappearance of four activists: Fears are mounting over the disappearance of four activists in Kenya, raising concerns about their safety and human rights advocacy. Benson Shikala, the brother of activist Davis Lichuma, has reported that Lichuma has been missing, with extensive searches proving fruitless. Activist Davis Lichuma remains traumatized and unable to speak following his recent abduction. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has highlighted a disturbing trend, stating that Kenya's capital city Nairobi is experiencing a resurgence in abductions. The case underscores growing concerns about the safety of human rights activists in the country. Nationwide matatu strike paralyzes transportation: A nationwide matatu strike has gripped Kenya, paralyzing transportation and causing widespread concern among citizens. Operators are protesting the escalating cost of fuel, with the strike significantly impacting commuters and businesses across the country. Samuel Poghisio, a prominent Kenyan political figure, has stated that most African nations are weary of Western democracy, a sentiment that arises amidst these ongoing protests. Political tensions have also emerged, with a Member of Parliament reportedly threatening to remove a governor from office due to the governor's opposition to the government. Garissa residents get reliable electricity after upgrade: The Kenyan government has undertaken a significant upgrade of the Kenya Power substation in Garissa, aiming to permanently resolve chronic power outages that have plagued the region. Residents of Garissa town and its environs will now enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply following the commissioning of a new transformer. Approximately 3,000 residents of Gichugu have also finally been connected to electricity after a prolonged wait spanning many years. These interventions are expected to ensure more reliable electricity supply for residents and businesses in both areas. President Ruto intensifies criticism of opposition leaders: President Ruto has intensified his criticism of opposition leaders, accusing them of undermining national development efforts. Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has challenged the government to arrest opposition leaders if they have evidence of incitement to violence. Government officials have accused the opposition of endangering peace as Kenya approaches the 2027 general election. Political commentator Chege Majuice has advised President Ruto against seeking re-election in 2027, stating that Kenyans are tired. Missing Activist Davis Lichuma Found Alive at KNH After Alleged Abduction and Torture: Mathare social justice activist Davis Lichuma has been found alive at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after allegedly being abducted and tortured for three days following the June 25 protests in Nairobi. He was discovered in critical condition and transferred to Nairobi Women's Hospital. Police are investigating the disappearance amid claims that five other protesters, arrested during recent demonstrations, were tortured while in police custody. The National Police Service confirmed receipt of a missing person report for Lichuma. Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa highlighted a disturbing resurgence in abductions in Nairobi, the capital city. Separately, an investigation has been launched in Nakuru following the alleged brutalisation of James Mbugua, a person with disability, highlighting concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals. Lawyer moves to court to stop NTSA's mandatory vehicle inspection law: A Nairobi advocate has filed a constitutional petition in the High Court seeking to halt the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) new mandatory vehicle inspection regulations, scheduled to take effect on July 1. The government's introduction of mandatory annual inspections for private vehicles manufactured more than four years ago has sparked significant public and political outcry. The NTSA has announced a temporary reprieve for private motorists, school transport operators, and commercial vehicle operators regarding recent mandatory vehicle inspection rules. Additionally, the NTSA has clarified the specific vehicle-related services that now trigger the issuance of an eLogbook as part of its digital vehicle registration system rollout. Kenyan police deploy LRAD sound cannon to disperse protesters marching toward Parliament: Kenyan police deployed a powerful long-range acoustic device (LRAD), also known as a sound cannon, to disperse protesters on June 25 in Nairobi as they attempted to march towards Parliament. Gen Z activist Ezekiel Kyama Nzyoki, known as "Mr Speaker Sir," has been released on a Sh100,000 bond after denying charges related to the 2024 Parliament breach, facing accusations of unlawful entry and malicious damage to public property. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to intensify the government's crackdown on "goonism" and political violence across the country. Muhoozi shuts down Nation Media Group's Uganda operation: President Museveni's son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ordered the shutdown of Nation Media Group's operations in Uganda. This action specifically targets the Daily Nation newspaper and NTV Uganda. Ugandan authorities have also shut down Spark TV and Daily Monitor, sparking international outcry over media freedom. The coordinated shutdown represents a significant escalation in restrictions on press freedom in Uganda. President Ruto commissions Ksh3.8B Ngong Road-Naivasha Road Flyover: President William Ruto on Monday commissioned the Ksh3.8 billion Ngong Road-Naivasha Road Flyover, an 800-metre elevated dual carriageway aimed at easing traffic congestion in Nairobi. The flyover is located at Junction Mall and was commissioned on June 29, 2026. Meanwhile, Senator Ledama Olekina has called for a nationwide removal of roadside billboards, arguing that the current crackdown in Nairobi should be extended to all counties to enhance road safety and urban order. NCIC puts politicians on notice over divisive rhetoric ahead of General Election: The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a stern warning to politicians against using divisive rhetoric, hate speech, and ethnic profiling as the country approaches the next General Election. Meanwhile, Members of Parliament have rejected a crucial proposal by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango to place the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund under her direct oversight, raising questions about the management of the multi-billion-shilling fund. In Kirinyaga, Governor Anne Waiguru has refuted a front-page report by Standard Media Group claiming her county spent Ksh235.37 million on domestic travel.
