Deep cracks have emerged in the Rift Valley as a Cabinet Secretary and a Senator engage in a fierce battle over who will succeed William Ruto when he exits the Presidency.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Deep cracks have emerged in the Rift Valley as a Cabinet Secretary and a Senator engage in a fierce battle over who will succeed William Ruto when he exits the Presidency.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto suffered a crushing defeat to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in the Ol Kalou by-election, forcing him to reconsider his re-election strategy. Analysts have suggested he use a High Court ruling ordering Cabinet reconstitution within 120 days to reorganise his government.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
The UDA party's loss in the Olkalou by-election resulted from competing personal interests among President Ruto's allies, clashes of egos, uncoordinated campaign approach, and internal fights for loyalty to the President, according to party insiders. Different politicians within the party pursued their own political interests rather than supporting the party's candidate Samuel Muchina.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki faces growing uncertainty over his political influence in Mt Kenya, which sources describe as one of President William Ruto's biggest re-election challenges ahead of the 2027 General Election.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Since 1975, Ol Kalou constituency has developed a reputation for resisting political waves and voting according to conscience, following the legacy of politician JM Kariuki who spoke truth to power without being intimidated by State influence.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto suffered a defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election at the hands of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party, prompting analysts to suggest he use a High Court ruling requiring cabinet reconstitution within 120 days to reorganise his government.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who have walked the same political path for the last two election cycles, are now in a battle for influence in Western Kenya.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is navigating a precarious political position as uncertainty over his influence in Mt Kenya region emerges, presenting one of President William Ruto's key challenges for the 2027 General Election.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
President William Ruto has signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act into law, prompting questions about the rationale behind the move given Kenya's minimal domestic gold production.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's new Government Owned Enterprises Act, 2025 seeks to reform state-owned enterprises through restructured governance and operational frameworks, aiming to address decades of inefficiency and misuse of public funds. The law promotes appointment of professional boards and exempts politically-affiliated persons from certain roles, though its success depends on implementation.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
A magistrate has temporarily barred Baringo Senator Vincent Chemitei from trespassing on a five-acre property in Mochongoi that previously belonged to his late father, after finding that Anthony Kiplagat provided evidence of a sale agreement and payment records showing he purchased the land from the deceased.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Political analysts say ODM leader Oburu Oginga's declaration to support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election was premature and has weakened the opposition party's bargaining power.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Thousands of supporters gathered in Dhusamareeb on Saturday to welcome Galmudug presidential hopeful Liibaan Ahmed Hassan, with the Justice and Solidarity Party candidate pledging to prioritize peace, reconciliation, security and economic development if elected.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
UGM party leader Augustino Neto has urged the IEBC to take disciplinary action against politicians who perpetrate violence, citing incidents during the Ol Kalau parliamentary by-election and opposition rallies. Neto proposed that the electoral commission should bar politicians who perpetrate violence from vying for any elective post in 2027.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
UDA leaders from Kitui County, including Kitui South MP Rachael Kaki, have urged Ukambani residents to support leaders based on track record rather than party affiliation ahead of 2027, citing Kenya Kwanza administration's development projects in the region including road tarmacking and an Enziu Bridge project.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale publicly disagreed with Deputy Governor Ayub Savula at a funeral in Lugari constituency over Western region's political path ahead of the 2027 General Election. Khalwale called on Savula to drop support for President William Ruto's re-election bid and instead back Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed opposition efforts to fracture the Mt Kenya region politically, appealing for unity and peaceful politics while reaffirming the government's commitment to the region. His remarks come amid heightened political activity in Mt Kenya and following the United Democratic Alliance's defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that President Ruto's loss in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election marks the beginning of a political revolt in the Mt Kenya region, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among voters who overwhelmingly backed Kenya Kwanza in 2022. Gachagua argued the defeat was not an isolated setback but a clear message from a region that feels betrayed after playing a decisive role in Ruto's rise to power.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Ol Kalou by-election in Nyandarua County achieved a 57 per cent voter turnout across 144 polling stations, exceeding the average by-election turnout by 16.09 percentage points, though lower than the constituency's 2022 general election turnout of 65.4 per cent.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Nyandarua Senator John Methu has accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of fueling political violence and described him as "a recipe for chaos" ahead of the 2027 General Election. Methu alleged that the same individuals disrupted an opposition church meeting in Witima, Nyeri County, and were involved in violence during the Ol Kalou by-election, claiming they operate as a parallel militia outside the National Police Service.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission has approved Phase II of the Fourth Remuneration Review Cycle for civil servants in the National Government, effective July 1, 2026. Teachers are set to benefit most, with salary adjustments across entry-level primary school teachers to chief principals, after the commission considered inflation, wage bill sustainability, labour productivity, and the need to attract and retain skilled personnel.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told congregants at the African Israel Nineveh Church in Nairobi that faith institutions are critical pillars for promoting peace, cohesion and dialogue, and that unity is essential for Kenya's social and economic development. His remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Election Observation Group has called on the IEBC to investigate KIEMS and fingerprint authentication failures recorded during the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, and to document all biometric failures including cases where complementary voter identification procedures were used.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Senior leaders allied to the broad-based government, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, have intensified campaigns in Western Kenya to consolidate political support for President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, while promising continued regional development.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua was exaggerating the significance of his party's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election victory, stating that a single electoral win does not make him the outright leader of the Mt Kenya region. Ruku expressed confidence that President William Ruto would regain voter support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki rejected suggestions that the Kenya Kwanza coalition is losing its grip on the Mt Kenya region following the Democracy for the Citizens Party's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, insisting the bloc remains united and calling for the region's political cohesion.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki adopted a softer tone while addressing worshippers at an ACK Diocese thanksgiving service, preaching humility and patience days after the UDA's defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election to the Democracy for the Citizens Party. His remarks come amid political debate over his future as running mate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya's Senate Standing Committee on Devolution has endorsed Thika's elevation to city status, which would make it Kenya's sixth city and the first urban centre in the Mount Kenya region to attain the designation. The committee found that the Kiambu municipality met constitutional and statutory thresholds, demonstrating sufficient institutional capacity, urban development indicators, infrastructure, public utilities, and critical social services.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged young people to reject political manipulation and avoid violence, while defending the government's focus on healthcare, education and public services expansion. Speaking at a funeral in Siaya County, Omollo called on political leaders to stop exploiting youth to settle political differences.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Linda Mwananchi Movement is intensifying its political campaign in Western Kenya with planned rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other allies, as part of a broader grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Orange Democratic Movement has appointed Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo as county patron, replacing Senator Godfrey Osotsi, as part of a broader party reorganisation ahead of the 2027 elections. Party leaders attributed the reshuffle to the need for committed officials and said the party had experienced internal divisions and lack of direction in the county.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has opened an investigation into armed goons present during the Ol Kalou by-election to establish their identities, crimes, and reasons for being there. Murkomen dismissed allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding alleged sexual abuse and urged the public to come forward with credible information.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said government leaders under President William Ruto have resolved to keep politics away from the altar and not divide communities, assuring Mt Kenya that the government will not be divided and that its record will carry Ruto and allies into the 2027 elections.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Opposition Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has told tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, attributing the advice to rising insecurity he blames on government. Speaking at a church service in Kerugoya, he urged visitors to suspend trips and investors to hold off "until next year."
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda defended his purchase of four Toyota Prado vehicles, saying his acquisition should not undermine his development record. He cited completion of 67 roads in the constituency and a recent 50-kilometre tarmac road project launched by President Ruto.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina has endorsed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the strongest opposition candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, saying Gachagua has demonstrated political resilience and voter appeal despite competition from other opposition leaders.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President William Ruto's official website was restored after a cyberattack forced a temporary shutdown. Hackers demanded five Bitcoins (about Sh41 million) in ransom, but the ICT Cabinet Secretary said the attack did not compromise sensitive government information.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed President William Ruto's defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election was the result of what he described as the President's betrayal of the Mt Kenya region, telling supporters that the loss reflected growing disillusionment among voters who overwhelmingly backed Kenya Kwanza in 2022.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
A 45-year-old man, Zacharia Gakinya, was attacked by armed goons near a polling station in Rurii Ward during Thursday's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and later died from his injuries. His family is demanding justice for his death.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said President William Ruto will secure re-election in 2027 even without Mt Kenya West region's support, citing the example of Ol Kalou's defiance of former President Moi in a 1995 by-election that did not prevent Moi's subsequent national election victories.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Standard examines concerns that Kenya's middle class is contracting, though the article body provided does not contain sufficient detail to determine the specific evidence, causes, or scope of this trend.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's Sh13 trillion public debt amounts to Sh240,740 per person if divided equally across the population, or Sh601,851 per working person. Civil society groups are urging Kenyans to discuss the debt crisis at community and household levels.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's economy produced more dollar millionaires in 2026, with the number of high-net-worth individuals growing by 20 per cent, up from 10 per cent growth in 2025, despite economic pressures including high cost of living and shrinking household incomes.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Facebook experienced a widespread disruption on Sunday that affected the platform's desktop version, leaving users unable to access the social media site through web browsers, though the mobile application continued to function normally. The cause of the outage was not immediately known, and Meta had not issued an immediate statement or disclosed the number of users affected.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Tech firms are rolling out advanced smartphones with AI agents that can execute tasks like ordering food and composing messages via voice command. At least three firms displayed such "agentic phones" at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, with smartphone maker Nubia unveiling its NaviX Ultra powered by ByteDance's Doubao chatbot.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya is using diplomatic engagement to attract investment and partnerships in pharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning itself as a regional hub. Ambassadors from seven countries toured Square Pharmaceuticals' Athi River facility, which has produced medicines since December 2022 and aims to reduce Kenya's heavy dependence on imported medicines, currently accounting for more than 80 percent of consumption.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
The Isiolo International Export Abattoir has completed a successful trial run and is ready for official commissioning after 17 years of construction. The facility, jointly funded by national and county governments at approximately KSh 1 billion, can process up to 2,900 animals per eight-hour shift and is designed to export-standard specifications.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Thousands of Facebook users in Kenya and across the world were temporarily locked out of their accounts on Sunday due to a widespread service disruption. Users attempting to access the platform through web browsers received a message indicating a technical issue on Facebook's end, and some also reported difficulties on the mobile application.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Leaders and residents from Lamu have called for transparency in a proposed Sh2.2 trillion oil refinery project linked to Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, saying the deal has been shrouded in secrecy and causing anxiety about environmental effects and local benefits. Community spokesman Omar Sharif said residents are not opposed to the investment but want full participation in decision-making, a fair share of economic opportunities, and that 70 per cent of the expected 6,000 jobs be reserved for indigenous people.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Veterinarians warn that unqualified animal health practitioners and misuse of veterinary medicines are undermining food safety and public health, and compromising Kenya's livestock export ambitions. Kenya Veterinary Association officials say existing laws are sufficient but weak enforcement exposes consumers to unsafe animal products, and urge stronger collaboration between regulators, county governments, and law enforcement.
19 July 2026 · Capital News →
Hundreds of farmers at the Ondago Swamp in Homa Bay County are harvesting rice, with the initial harvest covering about 200 acres and expected to contribute an estimated 800 tonnes of rice to the country's food basket. The government has begun purchasing rice paddy from the farmers' rehabilitated swamp farms.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Details have emerged showing Mathematics, Chemistry and English as the worst-performing subjects among top KCSE performers in 2025.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya recorded 472,845 adolescent girls receiving at least one HPV vaccine dose between January and June 2026, up from 258,698 in the same period last year, bringing coverage to 69 per cent of eligible girls. The increase reflects intensified efforts by the Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, WHO and other partners to protect girls against cervical cancer.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Court of Appeal Judge Joel Ngugi has said that certified mediators can ease the backlog of cases by dispensing justice at the grassroots level, with justice no longer remaining the exclusive preserve of lawyers and courts. Addressing human rights activists being trained in community dispute mediation in Mombasa, Ngugi described mediators as "ministers of justice" and urged them to adopt a people-centred justice system.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
The Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism in Metro Manila, Asia's only dedicated exorcism centre, trains Philippine priests and clergy from across the region including Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and India. Father Jose Francisco Syquia said the five-month-old facility was built because cases were piling up, citing trauma from bullying, sexual abuse, and family separation as opening the door to spiritual attacks.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
A CRAWN Trust analysis found that approximately 95 per cent of aggressive online behaviour and denigrating digital imagery disproportionately targets women in Kenya, with up to 60 per cent of women leaders, journalists, activists and students reducing or abandoning digital participation because of sustained harassment, threats and reputational attacks.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba warned school administrators against imposing illegal levies on parents without approval, stating that all new levies must be agreed upon by both parents and the ministry before introduction. The ministry says several principals are already facing disciplinary action for failing to adhere to set guidelines on school levies.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism, Asia's only dedicated exorcism centre, has opened in Metro Manila to train Philippine priests and clergy from across the region. According to Father Jose Francisco Syquia, the centre was built because cases were piling up, driven by trauma from bullying, sexual abuse, and family separation.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A 47-year-old man was attacked and killed by a stray hippo near Kisiege beach in Rachuonyo North Sub County around 2 am on Saturday as he was heading home from a local pub. A local administrator expressed concern about increasing hippo activity in villages at night and called on Kenya Wildlife Service to intervene.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
An unidentified man was found brutally murdered at Ng'othi rice fields in Mwea-West Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, with multiple panga cuts to the head. Residents discovered the body near the Sogea furrow and are calling for police investigations to establish the victim's identity and motive.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Spain's 2026 World Cup final squad includes players of African descent, such as 19-year-old Lamine Yamal (Moroccan father, Equatorial Guinean mother) and Nico Williams (Ghanaian parents), while Argentina's squad is widely cited as the only one among the 48 tournament teams without a single Black player.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Nakuru RFC and Menengai Oilers have been grouped together in Group D at the Prinsloo Sevens tournament, scheduled for next week at Nakuru Athletic Club as the first leg of the 2026 Sportpesa National Sevens Circuit. Defending champions Strathmore Leos headline Group B, while circuit champions Kabras Sugar are in Group A.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Uasin Gishu champions Hill School girls' football team, unbeaten at county games with 51 goals scored and 2 conceded, are competing in the 2026 Rift Valley Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association regional show in Nakuru, facing Kericho in their opening match.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
England defeated France 6-4 in the World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham becoming the first English player to score seven goals at a single World Cup. Kylian Mbappe became the leading scorer in World Cup history during the match.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Argentina and Spain face off in the World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Argentina seeking back-to-back titles and Spain pursuing a second crown. The match marks the likely final World Cup appearance for Argentina's Lionel Messi, 39.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
US President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino at the final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday. Trump previously drew controversy by calling FIFA to request a red card suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Professional ice hockey players from Canada and USA are in Kenya for a one-week mission to train the Kenya women's senior national team and Kenya Ice Lionesses in skating, stick handling, and other fundamentals. Led by Sarah Thompson and Maureen Murphy, the visitors are also providing mentorship on education and have funded training facilities at Panari Ice Rink for nine months.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Betting company betPawa has signed a Locker Room Bonus partnership with the Kenya Volleyball Federation for the 2026/27 season, committing Sh 17,358,400 to provide performance bonuses of Sh 4,000 per player and technical staff member for each match won, with 494 registered beneficiaries from participating teams.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain were locked at 0-0 at half-time in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, with few clear-cut chances created in an opening period dominated by Spain's possession.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) were crowned Kenya Volleyball Federation men's league champions for the first time after defeating Chema Volleyball Club in straight sets in the final at Kasarani Indoor Arena, completing a double against the newcomers.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Thousands of football fans across Kenya joined millions worldwide in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in the United States, gathering in sports bars, public viewing centres, and entertainment spots across the country.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Didier Deschamps said goodbye to his role as France's head coach on Saturday after 14 years in charge, describing his time with the players as a "truly wonderful adventure." France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup in North America after losing 6-4 to England in the third-place playoff.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
England defeated France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place match in Miami on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring his 22nd goal of the tournament to become the all-time leading scorer. Argentina and Spain advance to the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA's Arsene Wenger said Saturday that hydration breaks introduced at this year's World Cup—three-minute stoppages midway through each half regardless of weather—were not universally popular, and FIFA will assess their impact after the tournament to determine future implementation.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Spain and Argentina will face off in the 2026 World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026. Argentina seeks to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain pursue a second title after winning in 2010; it is likely Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
England coach Thomas Tuchel said his team took a step toward elite nations after edging France 6-4 in a 10-goal thriller to finish third at the 2026 World Cup. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in Miami, while France's Kylian Mbappe netted twice to become the leading scorer in World Cup history.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 the day before Spain beat France 2-0 in the semi-final, aims to join an elite group of teenage World Cup winners. The 2026 final will see Argentina's Lionel Messi, who will become the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final, face Spain's young forward.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya Pipeline defended their Kenya Volleyball Federation women's league title, defeating Kenya Prisons in a tiebreaker clash at Kasarani Indoor Arena after the teams split the first two matches of the best-of-three series.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA reports the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has been successful despite pre-tournament concerns about high prices, geopolitical tension, and summer heat. The expansion to 48 teams delivered thrilling football rather than a dilution of quality, with only Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain remaining.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
US President Donald Trump will present the trophy at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday, alongside FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. The match marks Trump's first World Cup attendance, though he has already intervened in the tournament by phoning Infantino to seek suspension of a red card against a US striker.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
David Wakhu of Golf Park won the fifth leg of the PGK Equator Tour at Ruiru Sports Club with a four-round total of 274 (-10), ahead of a field of 50 players. Wakhu currently sits fifth on the Order of Merit standings with 1800 points.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli secured his sixth win of the season at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing 1.9 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc to extend his lead in the Formula One drivers' championship. Teammate George Russell crashed out on the opening lap after tangling with Hamilton.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Githurai Cheetahs defeated Black Falcons 33-31 in the men's final, while JKUAT Starlets beat University of Nairobi 24-19 in the women's final at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday to close the Kenya Kabaddi Premier League's second season.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has applauded youth from the Catholic Church and Manza Kenya Medical Training Centre for tree planting and street cleaning in Machakos town, aligning with the national government's 15 billion tree planting campaign.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, a Cuban dissident artist designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, flew to the United States on Saturday after completing a five-year prison sentence for insulting national symbols, contempt and disturbing public order. He arrived in Miami as Washington pressed Havana to release more than 700 political prisoners.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Russian strikes killed one person and wounded 13 others in Ukraine's capital on Sunday after Kyiv launched drones that struck e-commerce warehouses in Russia. The bombardment comes as Ukraine faces almost daily Russian attacks alongside rare domestic political instability triggered by a wartime military leadership shakeup.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
The US carried out airstrikes on Sunday aimed to "punish" Iran over the first US military deaths since renewed hostilities, with the Iranian army announcing it targeted two US bases in Kuwait in response. A preliminary deal aimed at ending the war has collapsed as the two sides fight over the Strait of Hormuz, with 16 confirmed US military fatalities since strikes began on February 28.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
A weakened cat was pulled from the rubble of a collapsed residential complex in Venezuela's La Guaira on Saturday by a volunteer rescue worker, days after back-to-back earthquakes on June 24 killed more than 5,100 people. The cat was given medical care and sent to a shelter.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
A drone strike in Iraq's Kurdistan region wounded eight members of the exiled Kurdistan Freedom Party on Sunday, an attack blamed on Iran. The incident follows Friday drone and rocket attacks blamed on Iran that killed nine members of the Komala Party, representing an escalation against Iranian Kurdish opposition groups.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Iran attacked a power and water plant in Kuwait on Sunday, causing a fire, marking the third attack on such facilities in as many days and the second in two days, according to Kuwaiti authorities. Bahrain also reported Iranian attacks on civilian sites, with tensions between Iran and the US escalating over the Strait of Hormuz.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Iran has executed Aref Khoshkar, sentenced to death for killing security force member Salman Amir-Ahmadi during the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, after approval by the Supreme Court and at the request of the deceased's parents. The execution is part of a broader surge in Iranian executions since the start of the Middle East war in February.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he is considering whether to attempt to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an upcoming UN summit, calling Netanyahu a "war criminal" who belongs at The Hague. Mamdani acknowledged uncertainty over his legal authority to order such detention but said he is consulting with the city's legal team.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, an ally of former nationalist leader Viktor Orban, said he will sign a newly passed constitutional amendment that would end his term as head of state. The amendment was passed by lawmakers as part of pro-EU Prime Minister Peter Magyar's effort to loosen Orban's grip on the country following his landslide election victory in April.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ukraine said Russian missile strikes on the Turkish-owned cargo ship Golden Leo carrying grain killed six crew members, with four more missing and eight rescued, hours after Moscow fired two dozen ballistic missiles at Kyiv killing one person and wounding 16.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun departed Beirut for Washington to meet Donald Trump and discuss the situation in Lebanon, strengthening the ceasefire in the south, and Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese regions. This is the first trip to Washington by a Lebanese head of state since Michel Sleiman's visit in 2009.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Thousands gathered in the Ethiopian capital on Saturday for a pro-government rally against an alleged forced recruitment campaign by authorities in the northern Tigray region. Human Rights Watch said security forces aligned with the TPLF were forcibly recruiting young men, including boys as young as 15.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Waves of Ukrainian drones attacked e-commerce warehouses in Moscow and Tambov regions on Saturday, killing eight people and causing large fires. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian territory in recent months, which it calls "long-range sanctions" in response to Russian bombardments.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The wife of Indian hunger strike activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has refused food since June 28 to protest alleged university exam fraud and demand the education minister's resignation, accused the government on Sunday of "illegal detention" disguised as medical care after police took him to hospital against his will.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 5,119, with 16,740 injured. La Guaira, a coastal state near Caracas, was most severely affected, and recovery efforts continue from collapsed buildings.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The U.S. carried out an eighth straight night of attacks against Iran after two U.S. military personnel were killed in Jordan and another went missing following an Iranian attack. The strikes, directed by President Donald Trump, targeted Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defence facilities to degrade Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Radical social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested Saturday in Miami by US Marshals as Britain seeks their extradition to face charges of rape, sex trafficking and assault. The Tate brothers face 59 charges in total — 42 against Andrew and 17 against Tristan, according to British authorities.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A ferry carrying 116 people capsized off the coast of Guyana overnight; eight people were rescued and a search and rescue operation was underway, according to government minister Juan Edghill.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Flash floods and landslides caused by monsoon rains killed at least 19 people in India on Sunday—eight in Nagaland and 11 in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir—with authorities conducting rescue operations. At least 15 others were injured, and rescue personnel recovered several bodies and rescued people including children from affected regions.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A passenger boat carrying more than 70 people sank off eastern Indonesia on Wednesday near Selayar. Rescuers found two survivors on an uninhabited island on Sunday, a day after five others were rescued floating at sea; the survivors said four others who had been with them did not make it.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Iran's judiciary announced the execution by hanging of Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi on Sunday. The men were convicted of assaulting police officers and videotaping the incident during anti-government protests that began in December over economic grievances and intensified in January.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Radical social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Miami on Sunday, with Britain seeking their extradition to face new charges of rape, sex trafficking and assault. UK prosecutors brought forward 38 additional charges; the brothers now face 59 charges in total.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Israel's defence minister said his country would respond powerfully to any attack by Iran, after Israeli and Jordanian forces intercepted an Iranian missile launched towards Aqaba. The military chief also vowed to retaliate with "determination" if Iran attacked Israel.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A ferry carrying 133 people capsized off Guyana on Saturday night, apparently after being hit by a large wave. Sixty-seven people, including 15 children, have been rescued; 66 remain missing.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A Congolese national who entered Kenya in 2019 seeking tailoring work found himself in western Kenya facing exploitation and poor living conditions instead of promised employment in Nairobi. The article examines how migrants' vulnerable immigration status can be used against them across African migration corridors.
19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
An opinion piece critiques how county governors, controlling budgets of billions of shillings, wield power through patronage and tender allocation, creating cycles of dependency among those seeking their favor.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
A Standard opinion piece warns that Kenya faces serious risk if nothing is done to counter dehumanizing rhetoric, normalised political violence, and misuse of state institutions as we approach the 2027 election, citing loss of public trust in institutions including Parliament, the IEBC, and the judiciary.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece draws parallels between football and wealth building, arguing that winning teams succeed through composure, planning, and sticking to strategy despite setbacks—lessons applicable to personal finance, including the value of financial advisers in maintaining disciplined decision-making.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that while Kenya deserves recognition for hosting refugees from South Sudan, the DRC, Somalia, Ethiopia and other countries, refugee children in Kakuma face abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking and hunger and require comprehensive protection including education, healthcare, counselling, food and secure living conditions.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece examining Kenya's Saba Saba civil disobedience tradition, which began on July 7, 1990, when activists including Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia led protests at Kamkunji Grounds demanding repeal of the one-party state clause (Section 2A) and restoration of multi-party democracy. The article traces three phases of the Saba Saba movement from 1990 through 2026.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's Chiefs are responding to climate change's intensified droughts, floods, displacement and resource competition by bridging government and communities, preventing conflict and strengthening resilience at the local level.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that recent school arson incidents involving secondary school girls should be understood not only as disciplinary failures but as symptoms of accumulated frustration among young people facing academic pressure, economic uncertainty, social media anxiety, changing family structures, and complex identity questions. The author contends that destructive behavior emerges when outlets for healthy emotional expression are lacking, and calls for addressing underlying conditions rather than focusing solely on punishment.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's public credibility depends on being impartial and appearing so, cautioning that recent commissioner comments on whether distribution of government goods during by-elections constitutes voter bribery risk undermining public confidence in fair electoral administration.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that Kenya's tree-planting initiatives, including the Plant Your Age programme, should be viewed as central to national security and family welfare. The author notes that about 1.7 billion trees have been planted since 2022 toward Kenya's 15-billion-tree goal, and calls for families to participate in forestry as a path to prosperity.
19 July 2026 · The Standard →