Kenya News Weekly: Weekly: June 30 - July 6, 2025
This week in Kenya, President Ruto faced rising tensions over CS Murkomen's 'shoot to kill' directive amidst increasing impeachment motions. Protests in Nakuru continued, while inflation hurt essential goods. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged unity post-protests. Nairobi's revenue soared, but healthcare disruptions persisted in Kwale. Amidst these challenges, coffee farmers celebrated rising prices, and Kenyans prepared for regional sporting events.
Weekly Breakdown by Category
Top Stories
332 stories this weekTop Stories - Week's Highlights
Mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, shot by police during a protest, has died. Meanwhile, dairy farmers in Western Kenya struggle with fodder conservation issues. In other news, CS Duale has commissioned 6,484 healthcare interns for a 12-month training programme. A study reveals Trump's USAID cuts could severely impact Kenyans. Meanwhile, KUCCPS places 11,636 students in teacher training programs across the country. Kigali prepares for the 4th World Kiswahili Day celebrations, emphasizing cultural integration. President Ruto and UK PM Starmer renew trade and security partnership, aiming to double trade volume. Ruto's advisor questions the missing 3.4 billion Kenyan Shillings funding pledge from Uhuru's administration. Nairobi residents face eviction for President Ruto's housing project, with 140,000 affordable units completed across counties. MPs issue ultimatum to government over truck drivers' treatment. DCI summons blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia after 13 days. Nairobi motorists warned of traffic disruptions on Saturday due to road closures. MPs send away college heads over missing audit details. Government sues ex-PS to recover 200 million Kenyan Shillings land in Eldoret CBD. Former CS Ababu Namwamba takes on a new role following Ruto's appointment. KUCCPS has set up support centres for applicants nationwide. The IMF is probing the teachers' payroll, which costs over 400 billion Kenyan Shillings. Ruto defends the State House church project, vowing to fund it personally. Gen Zs urge Ruto for attention ahead of Saba Saba. EACC seeks to recover 200 million Kenyan Shillings of public land in Eldoret. Wanga emphasizes ODM's commitment to justice within the broad-based government. Duale criticizes Gachagua's claims against Ruto made at a burial ceremony. Five journalists from NMG start prestigious training programs globally after a tough selection process. Schools face challenges over safety concerns due to potential Saba Saba protests on Monday. An overturned fuel tanker causes significant traffic disruptions on major roads. The government plans to support fruit farmers to enhance the economic potential of the Ukambani region. A court orders Ecobank to pay 284 million shillings to Mbiyu Koinange’s family for illegal withdrawals from the estate's account.
Videos
1120 stories this weekVideos - Week's Highlights
Residents in Hola town, Tana River, criticized the county fire department for a slow response to a fire that destroyed several businesses, including a bar and restaurant. Kakamega's Bukhungu Stadium faces construction deadline as East Africa secondary sports event preparations hinge on its completion within a month. Organizers express concern over the stadium's status. The High Court has extended the order preventing the Communications Authority from shutting down radio and television signals during protests. This follows a case involving a political party. Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i, begin a two-day political tour in Western Kenya to promote their policies. Waziri Kabogo defends government action to halt broadcasts during protests. In Keiyo North, residents benefit from the Etyo Dam. Waziri Duale warns of fraud affecting 200 private hospitals. Businessman Robert Bundi faces court over car sales dispute. Deputy President Kindiki advocates for President Ruto's two-term agenda in Kilifi. Kenyan drivers prepare for car races in Rwanda. Volleyball competitions for the disabled kick off in Kasarani, Nairobi. Opposition leaders criticize President Ruto's leadership on their Western tour. Senate readies to hear motion for removal of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo. Calls made for youth to halt protests. Albert Ojwang's family demands justice at his funeral in Homa Bay. Police investigate the burning of Mawego police station. Calls for arrest of Eliud Lagat continue. Mutahi Kagwe warns against criminal gangs infiltrating Gen Z protests. Opposition convoy attacked in Chwele during their Western Kenya visit. Athletics federation to select Kenya's team using Eugene Diamond League results. Radio Citizen presenters joined Jetview SDA church members in Nairobi to express gratitude to fans, emphasizing community engagement initiatives.
Politics
33 stories this weekPolitics - Week's Highlights
Young Kenyans mobilize for protests, challenging traditional political leaders. Meanwhile, former Deputy President Gachagua claims 'father' status of the Gen Z movement. Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka outlines a plan to address human rights violations and seek compensation for recent protest victims. Rival factions in ODM emerge as some legislators express support for President Ruto, creating divisions within the party. Michael Kojo's viral statement inspired civic engagement across the nation. Meanwhile, Kindiki's tours in Ukambani focused on enhancing the region's economic prospects, affecting Kalonzo's support. Attorney General Odour is contesting Suyianka's court move to disclose Raila's AU bid funding details, alleging secrecy in the campaign's financing. Uhuru Kenyatta has taken back control of Jubilee party, while Kalonzo Musyoka is rebranding Wiper party ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on regaining member trust. MPs passed the NG-CF Bill, allowing three funds under their control to be entrenched in the Constitution. The Bill now awaits a crucial vote in the Senate. Mt Kenya elders endorse Augustus Kyalo Muli for the 2027 presidential bid, urging support in their region. Bungoma MPs back Timothy Wanyonyi for the 2027 gubernatorial race. Mt Kenya elders support Augustus Kyalo Muli's 2027 presidential bid, seeking backing from the region. Bungoma MPs endorse Timothy Wanyonyi for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Business
78 stories this weekBusiness - Week's Highlights
M-Pesa's market share declines as Airtel Money gains traction, according to a recent Communications Authority report. New Kenya Cooperative Creameries reopens search for a CEO position. Jubilee Allianz General Insurance secures a capital boost of 2.75 billion shillings from shareholders. Many Kenyans knowingly buy fake products, especially in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, leading to negative experiences. Legislators question KenGen about stalled power projects worth 378 million shillings from studies done 5 to 12 years ago. KRA extends the income tax filing deadline to July 5 and waives penalties for late submissions due to a system failure. Kenya's business activity shrinks for the second month, according to Stanbic PMI. Minet opens a new office in Eldoret to support the growing SME sector in the region. Tala Hospital launches in Machakos County, adding 120 beds to improve healthcare access for residents. Tourism CS praises Kenyan winners at World Travel Awards, noting Kenya Airways received the title of Africa’s Leading Airline of the Year. The US remittance tax, effective January 2026, may cost Kenyans in the US over 3 billion shillings annually.
Tech
52 stories this weekTech - Week's Highlights
TECNO hints at the global launch of the Spark 40 Pro+, with potential pricing information for the Kenyan market expected soon. Apple is reportedly developing a budget MacBook using the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. The Kenya Revenue Authority has extended the tax filing deadline to July 1, 2025, due to issues with the iTax system on June 30th. Safaricom Ethiopia has reached 10 million customers, boosting digital growth with extensive investment and job creation. Infinix HOT 60i is now available for preorders in Kenya at 12,799 Kenyan Shillings, featuring a 50MP camera and 120Hz display. Visa and Kenya Airways launch co-branded travel cards to enhance customer experience and promote digital payments in aviation. TECNO Mobile Kenya is set to launch the Spark 40 Pro and 40 Pro+ soon. Pre-orders in Uganda reveal added incentives for Kenyan customers. TECNO Mobile Kenya teases the Spark 40 series ahead of its launch. Pre-orders in Uganda reveal bonuses for those who pre-order the Spark 40 Pro or Pro+. Xiaomi introduces the Redmi Pad 2 tablet in Kenya. Stanbic Bank app update enables users to invest in USD or Kenyan Shillings, pay for T-Bills and Bonds, and open new accounts. A software update for the Pixel 6a could affect battery life, but Google will not provide assistance in Kenya.
Sports
49 stories this weekSports - Week's Highlights
National Bank of Kenya Phoenix defeated Eldonets Platinum 60-51 in the Kenya Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League at Nyayo Gymnasium. Nairobi United won the FKF title, beating Gor Mahia 2-1. Strathmore Scorpions won 2-1 against Twinkle Hockey Club. Boniface Ambani has been elected as AFC Leopards' chairman to restore the club's glory. KRU partners with Menzies Aviation and ChildFund Rugby for a sponsorship worth over 11.6 million shillings spread over two years. Butere Girls face Madira Girls in Western Region finals after defending their Kakamega County title. KCB Chess Club leads the Premier League title race, remaining unbeaten under coach Benjamin Magana. Gor Mahia has dismissed their entire technical bench after a trophyless 2024/25 season, marking a significant change for the club. Nairobi advocate Benard Murunga aims to establish a lasting legacy at the Sports Disputes Tribunal. Kisumu Day will play Kisumu Boys in a semis rematch on Friday as the delayed Kisumu County Secondary School football matches resume after two weeks. Harambee Stars prepare for their first-ever appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey faces five counts of rape and one of sexual assault after complaints from three women, according to UK police. Unbeaten champions Thunder will conclude their regular season against Eldonets Platinum on Saturday, while women's matches shift to Ulinzi Sports Complex for the Kenya Cup. Kibugu ties with day one leader Nduva in a tournament spanning 12 courses nationwide before a grand finale. Serani secures the Coast Region Boys football title, avenging last year's loss to Tononoka.
Entertainment
46 stories this weekEntertainment - Week's Highlights
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua mourns the loss of his maternal aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, describing it as a profoundly emotional time. Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a young vendor shot during Nairobi protests, has been declared brain dead while on life support at Kenyatta National Hospital. The High Court has ordered Police IG Douglas Kanja to produce missing blogger Ndiagui Kinyagia, following a directive from Justice Chacha Mwita. The Interior Ministry calls for moral guidance from parents and community leaders amid rising youth protests after recent violence. Wiper Democratic Movement officially rebrands to Wiper Patriotic Front. Change announced in a gazette notice by the Registrar of Political Parties. Speculation surrounds Simon Kabu and Sarah Njoki's relationship after a video shows them together on a yacht cruise. Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, injured during June protests, passes away after weeks on life support at Kenyatta National Hospital. MP Oscar Sudi supports Interior CS Murkomen's directive allowing police to use lethal force when under attack, addressing safety concerns. Martha Karua calls for President Ruto's resignation amid public protests. Victoria Kimani shares her moment with Sean “Diddy” Combs on a podcast. Sandra Dacha seeks a husband after weight loss. Ciru Muriuki proposes controversial protest idea on social media. Kenya Power plans power interruptions on Thursday, July 3, 2025, across several counties for maintenance to improve electricity reliability. MP Peter Salasya shares new photos of his son and expresses a desire for 12 children. Actor Tyler Mbaya, known as "Baha," discusses how leaked videos have unexpectedly boosted his self-confidence. Atheists in Kenya threaten legal action against the construction of a church at State House, arguing it violates the constitution, led by President Harrison Mumia. Atheists in Kenya Society warns of legal action against the alleged construction of a church at State House, citing constitutional concerns over the project.