Page 1: Report that two police officers are set to be sentenced today for murdering a detainee, as court proceedings reveal ongoing attempts to cover up police killings during recent protests. This pattern of concealing incriminating evidence, including a judge’s past rebuke of the “blue code of silence,” highlights systemic efforts within the police service to protect rogue officers.
Page 2: Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi was abducted in Tanzania and later found dumped far from his workplace, alleging interrogation and mistreatment by Tanzanian security officers, a case that highlights the growing trend of politically motivated abductions in East Africa. International groups like the Commonwealth Lawyers Association have condemned these actions, noting that opposition figures, activists, and journalists are increasingly targeted to suppress dissent, despite legal protections under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Page 4: The Labour Relations Court ruled that former NHIF employees absorbed into the Social Health Authority (SHA) or redeployed elsewhere in the public service will retain their previous salaries, providing relief to hundreds of affected workers. This decision followed a mediation agreement after a legal challenge to SHA’s recruitment process, which initially left 922 NHIF staff facing redeployment with uncertain pay. Meanwhile, the broader context highlights systemic issues in East African governance, including political motives for public office and regional economic disputes.
Page 6: Court proceedings reveal a pattern of police cover-ups in killings like those of Albert Ojwang’ and Rex Masai, including tampered evidence and falsified records, exposing the “blue code of silence” that protects rogue officers. Investigations have uncovered discrepancies in police reports, such as altered surveillance footage and manipulated arms registers, highlighting systemic efforts to obstruct justice in cases of police violence.
Page 7: Reports that President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to education, calling it a “non-negotiable priority” despite concerns over reduced funding for public schools. His remarks address growing anxiety among stakeholders about the government’s ability to fully support free primary and secondary education programs.
Page 8: President Ruto’s allies in Mt Kenya have launched a two-pronged strategy to counter growing hostility in the region, with teams led by Deputy President Kindiki and MP Kiunjuri holding meetings to rally support ahead of the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, exiled former Deputy President Gachagua has dismissed these efforts, declaring Mt Kenya’s support for Ruto irrecoverable and vowing to form new alliances to oust the current administration.
Page 9: Notes that the he National Assembly and Kenya Roads Board have appealed a High Court ruling that allocated Sh10.5 billion from the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to counties, arguing their exclusion was unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal has issued a one-year stay order, blocking the disbursement of Sh6.8 billion to counties pending the appeal’s outcome, citing potential “chaos” in road management and the need to preserve public interest. The case highlights a broader dispute over control of road funds between national agencies and counties, with significant implications for Kenya’s road maintenance and development framework.
Page 10: Features an article that criticizes Kenya’s misuse of anti-terrorism laws, arguing that the government has weaponized them to target dissenters and opposition figures rather than genuine security threats, as seen in the crackdown on Gen-Z protests. It highlights how the elastic definition of “terrorism” in Africa has enabled authoritarian regimes to suppress civic freedoms, with Kenya now joining this troubling trend. The author condemns the absurdity of equating peaceful protests with acts of terrorism, warning that such abuses undermine democracy and fuel further unrest.
Page 14: The national government is tightening controls on county finances to prevent the voiding of approved payments, following an Auditor-General’s report exposing widespread diversion of funds to politically connected contractors. Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge announced banking system upgrades to ensure payments align strictly with Controller of Budget approvals, blocking manipulation by county officials.
Page 15: The Ministry of Education’s decision to allocate Sh50 million for Bomet High School’s construction through Tenwek High School has raised concerns, as the proposed school lacks registration, land, or management structures, prompting fears of a “ghost project.” While officials defend the move as standard practice for new institutions, critics question why nearby schools weren’t chosen instead, given Tenwek High’s distance from the project site. The controversy highlights transparency issues in fund allocation, with lawmakers and residents demanding clarity on the project’s legitimacy.
Page 16: Israel announced a daily 10-hour pause in military operations in parts of Gaza to facilitate aid delivery, as Jordan and the UAE airdropped 25 tonnes of supplies though the UN stressed land routes remain critical. Despite these measures, Palestinian health officials reported at least 17 killed and 50 wounded by Israeli fire near aid distribution points, highlighting ongoing humanitarian crises amid stalled ceasefire talks.
Page 17:Reports that Kenya Power awarded a Sh14.4 billion diesel supply tender to the highest bidder, despite the bid being 205% above the budgeted Sh3.8 billion, violating procurement laws. Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu flagged the irregularity, noting the evaluation committee’s recommendation ignored legal requirements to ensure sufficient funds before procurement.
Page 35: Greg Snow won the second leg of the PGK Equator Tour at Limuru Country Club with a 12-under-par 276, crediting his victory to consistent tournament play and rigorous practice. Despite setbacks including a triple bogey, Snow’s strong start with birdies and an eagle secured his win by two strokes over Njoroge Kibugu. He praised Limuru’s course conditions for enabling high-quality play, emphasizing its importance in preparing for major events like the Magical Kenya Open ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Page 36: Kenya’s Group A opponents Morocco arrived in Nairobi for the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan), where they’ll compete alongside Kenya, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola at Kasarani Stadium. The 19-team tournament, running from August 2-30, features domestic-league players, with Morocco aiming for a third title after wins in 2018 and 2020.