July 13 - July 19, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, July 13 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
July 13
LSK Raises Concerns Over Alleged Electoral Malpractice in Ol Kalou By-Election - July 2026
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed serious concerns regarding alleged widespread electoral malpractice in the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that these incidents could undermine its integrity and credibility. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has also strongly condemned escalating violence and voter bribery ahead of the poll, warning these issues jeopardize the poll's legitimacy. Amnesty International Kenya is calling for an urgent probe into election offenses that threaten to compromise the by-election scheduled for July 16. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued final reminders emphasizing voter identification requirements and the end of the campaign period.
Police Arrest Six Suspects Over Violent Disruptions at Nyahururu Rally - July 2026
Police have confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with violent disruptions at a Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu on Sunday, July 12, but denied reports of a shooting involving Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata's driver. At least one person has been killed and several others injured following separate violent incidents in Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town, prompting 14 arrests. The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters against engaging in violence and disrupting lawful gatherings, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Infotrak Poll Shows UDA Leads Party Popularity as ODM Closes Gap - July 2026
A recent Infotrak survey reveals the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leads in party popularity, though the margin over the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has narrowed, preceding the 2027 General Election. The same poll reveals Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the leading choice among Gen Z voters in Kenya, highlighting the growing influence of young people in politics. Additionally, the poll indicates a strong preference within the opposition for a presidential ticket featuring Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
July 14
High stakes in Ol Kalou as IEBC, police and NCIC address election violence concerns - July 2026
Amid heightened concerns over electoral violence, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), National Police Service (NPS), and National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) are set to deliver a joint update on preparations for the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has strongly condemned escalating violence and widespread voter bribery ahead of the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, warning these issues jeopardize the poll's legitimacy. At the same time, Kisumu authorities have arrested 200 youths and detained eight key suspects following a deadly attack outside St. Stephen's ACK Cathedral that resulted in two deaths and several injuries. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged that the upcoming elections in Olkalou on August 16th will be conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
Politicians sponsoring goons will be arrested, warns Murkomen - July 2026
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has issued a stern warning that politicians sponsoring violent gangs will face arrest and prosecution once sufficient evidence is gathered. Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto's administration of a rise in political violence and demanded impartial policing ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rejected an application by Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria to postpone a voter bribery case hearing. The High Court has temporarily halted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)'s Sh1.5 million penalty against Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia.
Forensic expert presents crime scene images in Tob Cohen murder trial - July 2026
In the ongoing trial for the murder of Tob Cohen, a forensic expert presented photographic evidence of the crime scene. The images were admitted as exhibits to aid the court in visualizing the location where the deceased's body was reportedly found. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is investigating the death of a Grade 9 student at CITAM Schools Ngong after she fell from a rooftop on Monday morning. A key suspect linked to the viral Spring Valley restaurant robbery was shot dead by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives in Joska, Machakos County, following a shootout.