Weekly News Brief
Jul 7-13
2029 stories

Weekly: July 7-13, 2025

Updated July 13, 2025
Jul 7-13

This week in Kenya, Saba Saba protests escalated, resulting in 38 deaths and nationwide mourning. President Ruto reaffirmed a tough stance on unrest while promoting housing initiatives. Meanwhile, rising electricity costs sparked debates in Parliament, and DStv announced impending price hikes. Government officials continue to face calls for resignation amid increasing public dissatisfaction. A tragic road accident in Kisii added to the week's woes.

Weekly Breakdown by Category

Top Stories

376 stories this week

Top Stories - Week's Highlights

Raila Odinga has called for an urgent inter-generational meeting due to ongoing protests by youth, which he attributes to systemic issues and calls for dialogue. The new Cyprus Embassy in Nairobi aims to boost diplomatic ties. JKIA may soon drop the shoes-off rule at security checks. IEBC updates its system amidst voter concerns. Counties plan to vet foreigners after cannibalism confessions. A study shows Kenyans are willing to invest despite financial struggles. UN calls on the Ruto government following 11 deaths. A new cherry-flavoured malaria drug for infants is now approved. A Grade 7 girl dies after being struck by a stray bullet during Saba Saba protests, bringing the total deaths to 11. Charlene Ruto urges Gen Z to pursue impactful leadership. Chief Justice Koome condemns violent protests while promoting rights-based policing. President Ruto addresses youth unemployment, stating it has persisted for years due to lack of structured intervention. Gachagua denies allegations of the opposition planning an unconstitutional power takeover. Pressure mounts on President Ruto and Deputy Kindiki to resign amid ongoing calls. Meanwhile, a Naivasha medic's body was found buried, prompting police arrests. Residents await new local IDs for cheaper services. The government plans bonuses for civil servants to enhance service delivery. KNEC issues exam results notice with penalties for late queries. Controversy arises over a video filmed by a county officer involving vulnerable children. A police officer is charged in the death of a hawker during protests. Protests following Saba Saba events have led to 38 deaths, with 14 of 15 post-mortems confirming gunshot wounds. A government official has resigned after being linked to the unrest. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urges respect for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to allow it to function effectively. President Ruto calls on Kenyans to reject leaders inciting ethnic tensions.

Videos

1146 stories this week

Videos - Week's Highlights

A public transport vehicle was burned in Machakos following clashes between police and protesters. Additionally, businesses in Nairobi suffered disruptions due to Saba Saba demonstrations. Police violence continues amid demonstrations, with reports of officers shooting individuals during protests. Families in Kirinyaga and Murang’a mourn the loss of youths shot by police. President Ruto accuses opposition leaders of instigating violence to destabilize his government, promising to crack down on protests and hold perpetrators accountable. President Ruto and Transport Cabinet Secretary Murkomen have reportedly instructed police to use force against demonstrators. Concerns arise over implications for civil rights. Supreme Court judges are reviewing the suitability of the IEBC chairman and six commissioners in a decision that may impact upcoming elections. The Harambee Stars national football team has been unveiled ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. Police FC coach Etienne Ndayiragije has been recognized as the best coach for June due to his team's outstanding performance in the league. A 70-year-old grandmother in Rongo, Migori County, surprised teachers by arriving at school with local vegetables worth 250 shillings to help pay her grandchild's school fees. A police officer has been charged with the murder of Boniface Kariuki, who was fatally shot during recent protests. The family of student Solomon Kibia, who was shot during the Saba Saba demonstrations, is facing hardship following his death. Three students in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, died after a school toilet collapsed on them, raising safety concerns in local schools. KANU party has condemned President Ruto's statements suggesting police use firearms against protesters, calling it an infringement on citizens' rights. Sheikh Abdulhalim has been laid to rest in Mombasa, with many attending to pay their respects. Belgut MP Nelson Koech is facing backlash for his remarks encouraging police to shoot demonstrators damaging property during protests. County governors gathered in Kiambu for a workshop focused on devolution and future strategies aimed at improving service delivery by 2025. The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the closure of the city during protests, aiming to maintain order while respecting citizens' rights. A new hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus is gaining traction, aimed at rejecting tribal profiling and promoting unity among Kenyans. Discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a new relationship coach is gaining attention, highlighting its potential in personal development. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa urges national and county governments to collaborate on climate action strategies to combat environmental challenges effectively. The government plans to revoke 98 land titles in Suswa, Narok, due to ongoing disputes over land ownership and usage. Police officer Klinzy Baraza is set to face murder charges linked to the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, raising concerns about police conduct during protests. Raila Odinga criticizes President Ruto's directive allowing police to shoot rioters during protests. He calls for restraint and respect for human rights in managing disturbances. Standard Chartered Marathon preparations are underway for October 26. The event aims to promote sports and healthy living among Kenyans.

Politics

34 stories this week

Politics - Week's Highlights

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula urges Kenyans to embrace unity and avoid divisive politics. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga proposes a 'national conclave' to address grievances including police reforms. Guyo's impeachment case will be heard in the Senate amid clan rivalries for control of the Northern region. The case reflects ongoing political struggles. Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo Hassan welcomed the Senate's dismissal of his impeachment motion, stating "truth and justice won." President William Ruto warned that unrest and attacks on police will be met with force, asserting they threaten stability. Activist Omtatah is attempting to block a 17-storey affordable housing project in Lang'ata due to concerns over water provision, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis. The youth express frustration over ongoing national dialogue efforts, feeling trapped in a cycle of failed negotiations. The opposition is planning private prosecutions for victims of state abuse and is calling for public inquiries into deaths and disappearances linked to protests. The Opposition is reviving Raila's tactics of boycotts and protests to counter President Ruto, who warns looters and claims the Opposition aims to destabilize his government. President William Ruto expresses frustration over public pressure to deliver on his campaign promises. Meanwhile, his allies criticize the opposition's boycott plan as economic sabotage. Ruto warns the opposition against inciting violence during protests, promising to address property destruction. A court has blocked trespassers from accessing the former AG's Runda property.

Business

55 stories this week

Business - Week's Highlights

Thousands of sugar cane farmers are owed over 1 billion shillings by leased State-owned millers, affecting their livelihoods. Additionally, fines on unpaid bills have increased by 4.1 billion shillings. ICT Authority seeks new CEO following the dismissal of Stanley Kamanguya. The move comes as the authority reassesses its leadership. US delays higher tariffs on imports and introduces new taxes affecting 14 countries, including Kenya, which may impact trade. Government denies rumors of a fresh ban on avocado exports, reassuring local producers that the market remains open. New sugar millers are diversifying into cane by-products, focusing on ethanol production, a sector primarily led by Agro Chemical and Food Company Ltd. KCAA has approved Kenya's first drone corridor at Konza Technopolis to enhance the aviation sector. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) exceeded its revenue target by 16 billion shillings, collecting 2.571 trillion shillings for the fiscal year. This boost supports national development efforts. Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) plans to raise park entrance fees to cover an 11.87 billion shilling funding deficit, impacting tourism costs for visitors. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with cyber-attacks on M&S and Co-op, which disrupted operations. Investigations continue to strengthen cybersecurity measures. India and China are cautiously working on renewing ties, following border disputes. The implications of this development may affect regional trade dynamics, including Kenya’s market. Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as CEO of Elon Musk's social media platform X after two years, causing uncertainty about future leadership and direction of the platform. Kenya Revenue Authority surpasses revenue collection target by 16 billion shillings, achieving a total of 2.571 trillion shillings. Wines of South Africa (WoSA) is expanding its operations in Kenya to meet the rising demand for premium wine in the country.

Sports

40 stories this week

Sports - Week's Highlights

Christian Horner leaves his role as Red Bull team principal after 20 years. Sawagongo High School and Ng'iya Girls prepare for the Nyanza regional games in Siaya County. Sirakaru Salvation Army Secondary School confident as they head into the Western Region finals against Butere Girls. Lyon will remain in Ligue 1 next season after winning their appeal against relegation. St Mary’s Yala and Nyakach Girls excelled in football at the Nyanza Region Secondary Term Two games, with St Mary’s defeating Agai High School 2-0 in Group B. Harambee Stars have moved up two places to position 109 in the latest FIFA world rankings, showing improvement for Kenya's national football team. Harambee Stars coach McCarthy has defended his squad selection for CHAN, justifying the decision to leave out several high-profile players from the FKF Premier League. Arsenal has signed midfielder Norgaard from Brentford, where he played a key role amassing 13 goals in 196 appearances over four seasons. The European court ruled that Semenya's gender eligibility trial was unfair, following her classification as having "differences in sexual development" while being legally recognized as female. St Mary's Yala and Nyakach Girls excel in football at the Nyanza Region Secondary Term Two Games. Harambee Stars improve to 109th in FIFA rankings, while coach McCarthy defends squad choices. Legendary marathonist Wanyoike leads as the 2025 race kicks off, aiming for 30,000 participants and raising 175 million shillings for charity. Champions Highway and Dagoretti Mixed schools advance in semi-finals, nearing title retention in Nairobi Region competitions.

Tech

36 stories this week

Tech - Week's Highlights

Samsung is rolling out new security updates for several Galaxy A series phones in Kenya, enhancing user protection with the latest Android patches. Opera has replaced Google Translate with its own AI tool, Grok, following X's decision, marking a shift in translation services for users. Safaricom is offering discounts of up to 70% in its mid-year Masoko sale, making gadgets like smartwatches and Bluetooth speakers more affordable for consumers. Samsung is rolling out new security updates for several Galaxy A series phones in Kenya, providing users with Android patches gradually. Opera is replacing Google Translate with its own AI tool, Grok, following X (formerly Twitter) in this shift. Safaricom is offering discounts of up to 70% in its mid-year Masoko sale, making gadgets more affordable for consumers. Kenya's Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill aims to enhance crypto payments, building on M-Pesa's success. Meanwhile, Roam and Fortune Credit launch financing for electric motorcycles. The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill aims to enhance crypto payments in Kenya, building on M-Pesa's success. Roam and Fortune Credit have launched Kenya’s first financing program for electric motorcycles for individuals and businesses. Vertiv will hold an AI Solutions Innovation Roadshow in Nairobi on July 17, 2025, to showcase advancements in artificial intelligence solutions. Cynthia Karuri-Kropac has stepped down as Safaricom's Chief Enterprise Business Officer, with Frankline taking over her role. Binance is celebrating its eighth anniversary, highlighting growth in the cryptocurrency exchange market and its global user community. Infinix offers savings up to 2,200 Kenyan Shillings on Smart Series smartphones during the Mid-Year Clearance Sale. Prices start at 8,299 Kenyan Shillings for Smart 8. Jumia partners with Mirakl to introduce AI-powered ads for African sellers, boosting e-commerce across nine countries. Safaricom hosted an Automobile Engineering Masterclass at Nyeri National Polytechnic, reaching 3,000 youth on-site and 500,000 online. Verto launched an Auto Exchange feature, allowing businesses to secure target foreign exchange rates automatically. Absa introduced La Riba Timiza, Kenya's first Shariah-compliant mobile banking app, alongside a new La Riba Card. The Presidential DigiTalent Program has launched in-person training for Cohort IX in partnership with Huawei at the University of Nairobi. EV24.africa has become the leading platform for electric mobility solutions in Africa, just three months post-launch.

Entertainment

20 stories this week

Entertainment - Week's Highlights

Kenya Railways has suspended the 10 PM Madaraka Express train service from Mombasa to Nairobi due to technical issues, stranding hundreds of travelers. Huddah Monroe expresses sorrow over the loss of lives during the Saba Saba protests, criticizing the state's response to citizens' struggles for a better Kenya. High Court denies bail to Sarah Wairimu again in Tob Cohen murder case, as she awaits trial. Justice Mochache presides over the case in Kibera. High Court denies Sarah Wairimu bail again in the murder case of Tob Cohen, as she awaits trial. Justice Diana Mochache presided over the case in Kibera.