June 1 - June 7, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
June 1
Wajir Elders Gift President Ruto 100 Camels After Historic Madaraka Day Celebrations - June 2026
Elders from Wajir County gifted President William Ruto with 100 camels as a sign of gratitude for hosting Kenya's 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations in the region for the first time. The historic event took place at Wajir Stadium, which was filled to capacity, forcing officials to close gates and turn away attendees. President Ruto acknowledged past neglect of Northern Kenya and pledged renewed investments, announcing a Sh15.6 billion housing project for Wajir. The Wajir Stadium was also renamed in honor of the late former Wajir West MP Ahmed Khalif during the celebrations. Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the event as "historic" for the region.
CCTV Captures Eight Students Allegedly Setting Utumishi Dormitory Fire - June 2026
CCTV footage at Utumishi Girls' Service High School captured eight students allegedly setting a dormitory fire that killed 16 classmates in Nakuru. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations identified six out of eight students arrested in connection with the tragic fire. The Education Ministry subsequently ordered a nationwide safety audit of all boarding schools following the incident. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula urged the Ministry of Education to act decisively against schools ignoring safety regulations. The government also announced it would provide psychological support and counseling to families affected by the tragedy.
Nationwide Matatu Strike Protests Rising Fuel Prices - June 2026
A nationwide matatu strike began in Kenya as operators protested against escalating fuel prices, causing significant disruption across the country. The strike took place during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, with residents awaiting the Presidential address amid the transportation crisis. Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi delivered his speech at the 63rd Madaraka Day Celebrations against the backdrop of the nationwide strike. The protest aimed to bring attention to the financial strain on public transport providers.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
June 2
Ruto Links Laikipia Facility Approval to Personal Request from Trump - June 2026
President William Ruto stated that he approved the establishment of a US Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base following a personal request from former US President Donald Trump. The Kenyan High Court subsequently extended orders blocking the establishment of the proposed US-Kenya Ebola facility and mandated the government to disclose all related documentation within seven days. At the same time, Nanyuki residents protested against the proposed Ebola quarantine facility, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appeared before a parliamentary committee to address the nation's preparedness for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus and the reported deal with the United States. The US government also issued a travel advisory for Kenya due to protests in Nanyuki against the planned Ebola quarantine facility for Americans.
Lenana School Closed Indefinitely After Student Unrest - June 2026
Lenana School in Nairobi has been indefinitely closed following student unrest on Monday night, with parents required to pick up their sons from the school starting June 2. Separately, suspects in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire confessed to setting the blaze that killed 16 students and injured others, citing reasons linked to school administration decisions. Meanwhile, Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education issued a stark warning regarding significant funding shortfalls in Kenyan public universities, projecting that pending bills will exceed Sh100 billion. The Teachers Service Commission has also proposed significant reforms to the Teachers Career Progression Guidelines, aiming to accelerate promotions and end decades of career stagnation for thousands of teachers.
DCI Arrests Ex-Catholic Priest Over Alleged Calls to Oust Ruto Govt - June 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested a 44-year-old former Catholic priest for allegedly using social media to incite the overthrow of President William Ruto's government. This arrest follows a separate incident where President Ruto remained notably silent as a significant controversy erupted in Kenya concerning an Ebola deal. At the Madaraka Day celebrations, President William Ruto downplayed concerns regarding Ebola quarantine measures despite ongoing public protests.