July 20 - July 26, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, July 20 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
July 20
DCI Launches Investigation Into Violence During Ol Kalou By-Election - July 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated an investigation into violence that marred the Ol Kalou by-election on July 20th, 2026, reportedly involving armed and hooded individuals. East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega has announced that his government security detail has been withdrawn, days after alleging he survived an armed attack during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaign. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku defended the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaign spending in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, stating it was financed by the party and not taxpayer money, with spending around Sh100 million. Political analyst Makau Mutua has dismissed the Democratic Congress Party (DCP)'s win in the Ol Kalou by-election, calling it a 'NOTHINGBURGER' and urging supporters not to overreact.
Ruto Bids Farewell to Outgoing EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger - July 2026
President William Ruto bid farewell to outgoing EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger at State House, Nairobi, with Geiger's term officially concluding on July 31, 2026. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for enhanced collaboration between governments, faith leaders, and youth to foster peace, empower young people, and promote good governance in Eastern Africa. In a separate development, Mudavadi has urged the church to be a champion of unity and national cohesion, emphasizing its role in Kenya's social and economic development.
LSK Court Boycott Threatens to Paralyze Justice System - July 2026
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has planned a nationwide boycott of court proceedings scheduled for July 22, 2026, sparking concerns about access to justice. The Kenyan Judiciary has rejected this boycott, confirming all courts will remain open and operational on that date, viewing the action as inappropriate and harmful to litigants. Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has sparked fresh debate by claiming Kenyan judges sit for only 54 days a year, amid ongoing protests by lawyers over judicial inefficiency. The Judiciary maintains that the boycott would unfairly impact litigants who need timely resolution of their cases.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
July 21
Tourism PS Slams Gachagua’s Call for Tourists, Investors to Shun Kenya - July 2026
Kenya's Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has strongly criticized Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for urging tourists and investors to avoid Kenya due to alleged insecurity. The Kenya Tourism Federation is urging political leaders to avoid public statements that could damage Kenya's reputation as a tourist and investment destination. The Jubilee Party has strongly refuted statements allegedly made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which encouraged foreign tourists and investors to avoid Kenya until after the next General Election. Meanwhile, Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defended extensive celebrations for the Democratic Congress Party victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, characterizing it as a significant political turning point rather than just a win.
Kiambaa Residents Protest Demanding MP Kawanjiku's Resignation - July 2026
Kiambaa residents are protesting, demanding the resignation of their Member of Parliament John Njuguna Wanjiku (known as Kawanjiku), following allegations of his involvement with individuals accused of deploying goons during the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election. The Law Society of Kenya announced a court boycott targeting nine judges and judicial officers, including Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, set to commence on Thursday, July 23. The boycott is intended to be indefinite until court orders are issued against the Judicial Service Commission, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Duale Holds Talks With UK Envoy on Strengthening Kenya’s Healthcare System - July 2026
Kenya and the United Kingdom have pledged to enhance collaboration in strengthening Kenya's healthcare system, with discussions focused on universal health coverage, workforce development, and digital health transformation. Separately, President William Ruto met with Belgium's Ambassador to Kenya Peter Maddens to discuss expanding trade and investment, particularly in agribusiness. Also, President Ruto congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, signalling hopes for an enhanced trade and strategic partnership between Kenya and the UK.