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CS Murkomen warns against violence ahead of June 25 protests

By
Vincent Amara
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that the government will take firm action against anyone who uses the planned June 25 Gen Z protests to engage in crime, violence, or destruction of property.

Speaking in Nandi during a funeral ceremony, Murkomen said the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful demonstrations but warned that the freedom should not be used as a cover for lawlessness.

“Anyone who takes to the streets with a machete, stones, or any weapon to destroy property or loot businesses will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The CS revealed that security agencies have launched a nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs, accusing some politicians of recruiting and using them to cause unrest.

“The problem is not the youth. The problem is political leaders who deliberately hire and use these gangs because they have no alternative agenda,” Murkomen said.

His remarks come ahead of the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests scheduled for June 25, with several groups planning demonstrations over governance and economic concerns.

While affirming Kenyans’ constitutional right to protest peacefully, Murkomen urged leaders and citizens to maintain peace, saying security agencies will continue working to protect lives and property.

“We must make our country safe, and that is exactly what we will do because we love this country,” he said.

Firms Seeking JKIA Upgrade Deal Must Show Ksh100 Billion Capacity

By
Vincent Amara
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Companies bidding for the planned upgrade of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be required to demonstrate access to at least Ksh100 billion in liquid assets or financing, according to tender requirements issued by the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

The tender document states that bidders must provide proof of liquid assets, credit facilities, or other financial resources obtained within the last six months.

“The amount must be sufficient to meet the project’s cash flow requirements and shall be free from any contractual advance payments.”

The project will be implemented under a deferred payment model, meaning contractors will finance a significant portion of the work before receiving full payment. The successful bidder will receive 10 percent upfront after providing a bank guarantee, with the remaining payments tied to project milestones and completion.

“Bidders must submit a formal letter confirming their acceptance of the deferred payment terms.”

Contractors will also be required to provide a Ksh2.5 billion bid security, valid for 210 days, and submit key compliance documents, including NCA registration, a KRA tax compliance certificate, CR12 records, and a power of attorney.

The ministry has also made attendance at pre-bid meetings and site visits mandatory.

The requirements come amid continued public scrutiny of the JKIA expansion project, which previously sparked controversy over the proposed involvement of India’s Adani Group. More recently, allegations linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the project have renewed concerns about procurement transparency.

President Ruto Warns Against Violence Ahead of June 25 Protests

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto has warned against violence, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services ahead of next week’s June 25 anti-government protest anniversary.

Speaking at the National Productivity and Competitiveness Summit at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said Kenya must uphold order and the rule of law while protecting citizens’ democratic rights.

“We are a country that believes in order, we are a civilized nation, and we believe in the rule of law,” he said.

The President noted that while every citizen has the right to demonstrate, protests should not interfere with the country’s economic and social stability.

“It is okay for every citizen who has an issue to raise or demonstrate, and we must protect their right to do so,” Ruto said.

However, he cautioned against any acts of violence or vandalism.

“One thing that will not happen is people being mobilized to destroy property, cause disorder, or engage in violence,” he stated.

Ruto also stressed the need to protect learning, farming, business, and other economic activities to safeguard national productivity.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Kenya has issued a security advisory warning American citizens of possible demonstrations across the country, especially in major towns and Nairobi’s CBD, ahead of the June 25 anniversary. The embassy cautioned that protests could cause traffic disruptions and roadblocks.

US Embassy Warns of Possible Protests Ahead of June 25 Anniversary

By
Vincent Amara
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The United States Embassy in Kenya has issued a security advisory to American citizens, warning of possible demonstrations across the country ahead of the June 25 anniversary of anti-government protests witnessed in recent years.

In a statement released on Thursday, the embassy said protests could occur at any time, with the likelihood of demonstrations expected to increase around June 25, particularly in major urban centres and Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

The embassy cautioned that any demonstrations could result in significant traffic disruptions, congestion, and roadblocks set up by both protesters and law enforcement officers.

“Demonstrations may occur at any time, with an increased likelihood around June 25,” the advisory stated.

American citizens were urged to remain vigilant, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, monitor local media for updates, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

“Demonstrations can lead to traffic disruptions, congestion, and roadblocks established by protesters and police,” the embassy added.

The advisory comes amid heightened public attention ahead of the anniversary, with authorities closely monitoring the security situation across the country.

U.S. imposes visa restrictions on individuals accused of undermining peace in Ethiopia

By
Binti Wangila
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The United States government, through the State Department, has announced visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of undermining peace efforts in Ethiopia. The measures are focused on hardliners within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and their immediate family members.

In a statement, the State Department said that rising tensions between these TPLF hardliners and the Ethiopian government threaten to reignite conflict in northern Ethiopia and undermine peace and security across the entire Horn of Africa region.

The U.S. cited clashes witnessed earlier this year between forces associated with the TPLF and Ethiopian government forces as a sign of increasing tensions.

In May, Tigray’s main political party announced that it had restored its authority over the region’s political administration, a move that violated a key provision of the agreement that ended the civil war between Tigray and Ethiopia’s federal government.

The TPLF stated that it had reinstated the legislative council that existed before the 2020–2022 civil war, with its chairman, Debretsion Gebremichael, elected as the president of the Tigray region.

The Tigray conflict, which also involved forces from neighbouring Eritrea, is considered one of the deadliest conflicts of this century, with hundreds of thousands of people reported to have died due to direct violence, the collapse of healthcare services, and famine.

Ruto’s major development projects seen as part of his 2027 political strategy

By
Binti Wangila
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President William Ruto is increasingly banking on the implementation of major infrastructure projects across the Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and Nyanza regions as he seeks to strengthen his political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Among the flagship projects are the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, estimated to cost approximately KSh 110 billion, and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, a project expected to cost more than KSh 500 billion. The projects are expected to improve regional connectivity, ease transportation of goods and passengers, and boost trade and economic activities.

Political analysts argue that beyond their economic significance, the projects could also play a major role in shaping the country’s political landscape by increasing President Ruto’s influence in key voting regions where competition for political support is expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, despite the government’s ambitious development agenda, it continues to face economic challenges. Some Kenyans maintain that the high cost of living, unemployment among the youth, rising taxation, and access to essential services will remain dominant concerns for voters as the country moves closer to the next General Election.

ADC opposes subdivision of 250,000 acres of public land in Tana River

By
Binti Wangila
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The Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) has strongly opposed a proposal to subdivide and allocate 250,000 acres of public land under its management in Garsen Constituency, Tana River County, citing ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

While appearing before the Parliamentary Lands Committee, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh stated that there is no official government directive permitting the subdivision or allocation of the land. This comes despite claims that the process had been initiated following decisions made during the administrations of former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

Dr. Ronoh emphasized that ADC has consistently defended the retention of the land due to its critical role in national food production and agricultural development. He further revealed that there has been no public participation exercise or parliamentary approval to support any proposed distribution of the land.

He added that the Cabinet recently classified the area as part of a strategic food security project, a move that strengthens the government’s position that the land should remain under ADC’s control for large-scale agricultural activities and to safeguard the country’s long-term food production goals.

Scout Movement Shaping Future Leaders in Tana River, Says Senator Mungatana

By
Vincent Amara
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Tana River Senator Dr. Danson Mungatana has praised the Scout Movement for its role in nurturing discipline, leadership and strong moral values among young people in the county.

The Senator spoke after attending a scouting camp at Itsowe, where scouts from across Tana River County are undergoing training in scouting principles and life skills.

According to Dr. Mungatana, the program equips young people with important values such as loyalty, leadership, service to others, and duty to God and country.

“The Scout Movement is instilling good values in our children by teaching them leadership, loyalty, care for others, and responsibility to God and country,” said Dr. Mungatana.

The scouts are also being trained in practical skills including first aid, environmental conservation, respect for different faiths, assisting the elderly, and survival skills.

The Senator pledged continued support for the movement, noting that it plays a vital role in preparing future leaders for the county.

“I have supported this initiative and will continue standing with the Scout Movement as we work to raise a generation of leaders with the right values for Tana River County,” he added.

Dr. Mungatana expressed optimism about the future of the county, saying investments in youth development would help build a responsible and productive society.

“God bless Tana River County,” he said.

KeNHA Announces Partial Closure of Waiyaki Way for Three Months

By
Vincent Amara
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KeNHA Announces Partial Closure of Waiyaki Way for Three Months

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a three-month partial closure of a section of Waiyaki Way in Nairobi to allow for the expansion and construction of pedestrian footbridges in Westlands.

The affected section is on the Nakuru-bound carriageway between Karuna Close and the Westlands Roundabout. The closure will run from June 25 to September 25, 2026.

“A section of Waiyaki Way (A8) between Karuna Close and Westlands Roundabout on the Nakuru-bound carriageway will be partially closed from June 25 to September 25, 2026,” the notice stated.

KeNHA said the works include the expansion of the Dunhill Towers footbridge and construction of the Fogo Gaucho–QuickMart Westlands Footbridge. Traffic will be diverted through the existing service lane during the construction period.

“Motorists are advised to exercise caution, follow temporary traffic signs and comply with traffic control measures in place,” KeNHA said.

The closure is expected to affect traffic flow, especially during peak hours, and road users have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Parliament Rejects Proposed Taxes on Mobile Money Transfers and Mobile Phones

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenyans have been spared higher costs on mobile money transactions and mobile phones after Parliament rejected proposals to introduce a 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on peer-to-peer money transfers and a 25 percent tax on mobile phones.

Under amendments to the Finance Bill 2026 approved by the National Assembly, lawmakers rejected the proposal to impose VAT on person-to-person mobile money transfers, citing concerns that it would increase the cost of sending money and undermine financial inclusion.

Industry players, including the Kenya Bankers Association, Safaricom and Airtel Kenya, had opposed the proposal, warning that it would discourage the use of digital financial services.

However, companies that provide mobile money services will still be subject to the proposed 16 percent VAT under the revised bill.

Lawmakers also dropped a proposal to impose a 25 percent tax on mobile phones, a move that would have significantly increased the cost of purchasing smartphones.

The decision comes as the government seeks to promote digital access and connectivity across the country. Recent industry data shows smartphone penetration in Kenya has reached 92.9 percent.

The Finance Bill 2026 now awaits presidential assent by President William Ruto before it becomes law.

A total of 122 MPs voted in support of the bill, while 40 opposed it. No lawmaker abstained from voting.

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