Ruto Allies Target Natembeya as 2027 Elections Take Shape: President William Ruto's political allies are intensifying efforts to unseat Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in the upcoming 2027 elections. This targeting of Natembeya signals the beginning of what allies are calling the making of a 2027 campaign juggernaut. Meanwhile, internal power struggles and mistrust are threatening the unity of Kenya's Opposition coalition, despite their public display of solidarity against President William Ruto. At the same time, President Ruto launched the second phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme on July 10, 2026, utilizing a nationwide coordinated approach involving Cabinet secretaries and senior officials to simultaneously inaugurate events across all 47 counties. Gachagua Demands IEBC Commissioners Resign Over By-election Failures: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is calling for the resignation of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners if they are unable to conduct a by-election. The IEBC is facing intense pressure ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election, with political rivals trading accusations of poll sabotage, voter bribery, and planned violence. Additionally, the IEBC is under fire for allegedly applying double standards in enforcing electoral laws in the lead-up to the Ol Kalou by-election. These developments come as Gachagua's 45-day conclave at his Wamunyoro home shapes up as a critical moment for the Mt Kenya region's political direction towards the 2027 General Elections.

Merino strikes late as Spain beat Belgium to set up France World Cup semi: Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner to send them to the semi-finals against France. European champions Spain aimed to secure a World Cup semi-final clash with France by defeating Belgium in their quarter-final match. Meanwhile, hundreds of Egyptian fans welcomed home their national football team, the Pharaohs, following their historic best-ever performance at the World Cup. Egypt achieved their first World Cup win and reached the last 16 for the first time before a narrow 3-2 exit to Argentina. St Joseph Girls, Tenwek crowned Rift Valley football champions: St Joseph Girls High School reclaimed the Rift Valley girls' football title at the 2026 Rift Valley Secondary Schools Sports Association Term Two Games in Narok. Debutants Tenwek High School secured a dramatic comeback victory in the boys' final at the same games. In Nyanza Region, Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho and Sigoti Complex Girls were crowned the 2026 Nyanza Region rugby sevens champions. Additionally, East Africa 3x3 basketball champions Ng'iya Girls were eliminated from the Nyanza Region Secondary School games, falling to rivals Barchando Girls in a close quarterfinal match, setting up a semifinal showdown between Barchando Girls and Asumbi Girls. Kenya wins silver to qualify for 2026 World Schools Team Chess Championship: Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School of Kenya secured a silver medal at the Africa Schools Team Chess Championship in South Africa, earning them a spot in the 2026 World Schools Team Chess Championship. Separately, the race for qualification to the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association National Term Two games is intensifying across various regions as schools battle for glory. Kenyan Olympians have also urged athletes to shun doping and maintain the country's reputation as an athletics powerhouse during the Eldoret City Marathon awards ceremony for the 2026 edition.

CS Mbadi Defends National Infrastructure Fund Appointments as Merit-Based: Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defended recent appointments to the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) board, asserting the selection was strictly merit-based and not influenced by tribal or regional bias. The same day, Mbadi hinted at the possibility of the government issuing an infrastructure bond aimed at providing long-term financing for crucial development projects and supporting the nation's debt management strategy. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has expressed confidence in the ongoing expansion of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway following a recent project inspection. Separately, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) regarding the poor state of the Ngong-Suswa Road, threatening legal action over the project. Government Strengthens School Health Systems Through SHA: The Kenyan government is prioritizing the strengthening of school health systems to improve learner well-being and educational outcomes, including plans to accredit school clinics under the Social Health Authority (SHA). Amref International University (AMIU) is planning to establish the Beyond Zero Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital as a teaching facility to enhance training for healthcare professionals and improve maternal and child health services across Africa. Kenya marked National Reading Day 2026 with a nationwide celebration at the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) Headquarters, emphasizing the crucial role of reading in national development and lifelong learning. The government is also enhancing community health by verifying data with Community Health Promoters to ensure effective service planning and resource allocation. Kenya Railways Reveals New Online Train Ticket Scams: Kenya Railways has issued a stern warning regarding fraudulent platforms and individuals impersonating the corporation to sell fake Madaraka Express Passenger Service tickets. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has warned students and the public against fraudsters claiming the inter-institutional transfer window has opened, emphasizing that official application dates are yet to be announced. Kenya Railways has also responded to concerns raised by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding the safety of the Nairobi-Nyahururu train, insisting the train remains operational and safe for passengers and freight. Kenya Extradites Afghan National to U.S. Over Narcotics and Firearms Charges: Kenya has extradited an Afghan national to the United States to face drug trafficking and firearms charges, following a formal request from the U.S. government. Kenya has also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties with Burundi during the nation's 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui is urging private companies to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to gain access to long-term capital for expansion, rather than relying solely on bank loans. Nzoia Sugar Company has significantly improved its operations and paid farmers over Sh700 million since resuming activity, injecting substantial funds into the Bungoma County economy. IEBC fines Wanjiku Muhia Sh1.5 million over campaign remarks: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has imposed a substantial fine on Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia for alleged inflammatory remarks during a past campaign event. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is demanding a special probe into the deaths of several lawyers and addressing land claims involving the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Separately, families are seeking accountability in court following the disappearance of several men, with the case gaining significant attention as investigations continue. Gachagua Demands IEBC's Erastus Ethekon Resignation Claiming 'Influence' in Ol Kalou By-Election: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate resignation of IEBC Commissioner Erastus Ethekon, alleging that Ethekon exerted influence during the Ol Kalou by-election. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has threatened legal action against Gachagua for alleged voter bribery plots ahead of the July 16 by-election and for alleging his involvement in influencing the upcoming by-election. The Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has pledged swift and decisive action against election offenders ahead of the by-election, assuring residents of adequate security. Meanwhile, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau has urged the IEBC to investigate alleged voter bribery, citing claims of cash and goods being exchanged for national identity cards. Kenya's Opposition is accusing the government of misusing state resources to unfairly influence the ongoing Ol Kalou by-election. Gachagua demands IEBC's Erastus Ethekon resignation claiming 'influence' in Ol Kalou by-election: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the immediate resignation of IEBC Commissioner Erastus Ethekon, alleging that Ethekon exerted 'influence' during the Ol Kalou by-election. Gachagua has also issued a stern warning to IEBC regarding the upcoming by-election and demanded accountability from electoral officials over alleged irregularities during the ward elections. Kenya's Opposition is accusing the government of misusing state resources to unfairly influence the ongoing Ol Kalou by-election. Leaders in Ol Kalou have vehemently rejected a proposal by IEBC to postpone the critical by-election, with local representatives expressing significant backlash. The decision by the electoral body to consider postponement has sparked strong opposition from local representatives who emphasize the need for the election to proceed as scheduled. President Ruto urges Kenyans to back Junior Starlets against South Africa on Sunday: President William Ruto is urging Kenyans to show strong support for the Junior Starlets as they face South Africa in a crucial FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier this Sunday. Kenya's Junior Starlets are gearing up to face South Africa's Bantwana in the U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers, with the team in preparation mode for this crucial match. Meanwhile, Uganda has emerged victorious over Kenya at the 2026 African Rafting Championships and World Rafting Cup held in Sagana. FIFA World Cup 2026 preview: England vs Norway and Argentina vs Switzerland: This week's TrendSetters segment on NTV Kenya covers a range of captivating stories, from the ongoing World Cup excitement and viral Kenyan moments to significant court reforms and marathoner Eliud Kipchoge's global journey. NTV Kenya is also set to host popular streamers Vindee and Japanese Maasai for a live #FridayNightRave event, discussing the impact of words shared on social media and questioning the line between constructive criticism, trolling, and bullying.