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LSK Raises Concerns Over Protest Policing in Meeting With IG Kanja

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has formally raised concerns over the conduct of security agencies during yesterday’s protests following a high-level meeting with Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.

The engagement, held on Friday, brought together members of the LSK Council and the National Police Service leadership to discuss issues affecting the administration of justice, protection of constitutional rights, and the broader rule of law.

LSK President Charles Kanjama led the delegation, which presented a formal protest note to the Inspector General regarding the handling of demonstrations by security forces.

LSK Raises Concerns Over Protest Policing in Meeting With IG Kanja
LSK Raises Concerns Over Protest Policing in Meeting With IG Kanja

Concerns Over Constitutional Rights and Accountability
According to the Society, the meeting provided an opportunity to address concerns arising from the policing of recent protests and their impact on fundamental freedoms.

The Council emphasized the importance of protecting constitutional rights, including the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. It also called for greater accountability in law enforcement operations.

The discussions focused on the need for security responses that balance public order considerations with the protection of individual rights as guaranteed under the Constitution.

LSK noted that effective policing should uphold democratic principles while safeguarding citizens from violations of their rights and freedoms.

LSK Raises Concerns Over Protest Policing in Meeting With IG Kanja
LSK Raises Concerns Over Protest Policing in Meeting With IG Kanja

The delegation included Council Members Vivian Eyase, Titus Mukanzi, Aseso Omollo, and Effie Sheila. They were accompanied by LSK Chief Executive Officer Florence Muturi.

The meeting forms part of ongoing engagements between the legal profession and state institutions aimed at strengthening the justice system and promoting adherence to constitutional values.

The Law Society of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with government agencies and other public institutions on matters affecting justice and governance.

The Society said it will continue engaging stakeholders in efforts to advance constitutionalism, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and protect the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans.

 

Gachagua Honours June 25 Victims, Calls for Change Through the Ballot

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has used the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests to honour victims of police violence, defend the Gen Z movement and urge Kenyans to prepare for political change through the ballot in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement released, Gachagua described the young protesters who took part in the demonstrations as patriotic citizens exercising their democratic rights rather than criminals.

He said the events of June 2024 and subsequent protests in 2025 resulted in the loss of many young lives due to what he termed police brutality and the actions of state-sponsored militias.

“Many lost their lives due to police brutality and state-sponsored militias. As if human life is not valued by this government, yet again in June 2025 and the 2025 7/7 Day, we lost more young promising Kenyans under police bullets and state-sponsored goons,”  Gachagua said.

Praise for Gen Z and Business Community
The former DP thanked Gen Z activists for heeding his appeal to stay away from the streets during the June 25, 2026 commemoration, arguing that the decision helped prevent further deaths, injuries, and destruction of property.

“I sincerely thank my dear sons and daughters, the GenZs, for heeding my plea to avoid death and injury. They had planned to harm you in a big magnitude today,” Gachagua added.

He also commended traders, business owners, and local communities for closing their premises and taking precautionary measures to secure their neighbourhoods. According to Gachagua, these actions helped deter planned acts of violence and looting.

Gachagua Honours June 25 Victims, Calls for Change Through the Ballot
Gachagua Honours June 25 Victims, Calls for Change Through the Ballot


Claims of Security and Government Leaks

A significant portion of the statement focused on allegations that security officers and civil servants had provided him with information regarding plans to disrupt the day’s events.

Gachagua thanked what he described as patriotic police officers and public servants who allegedly warned him of plans to deploy goons and use excessive force against citizens. He claimed the information enabled him to advise Kenyans on how to avoid confrontation and remain safe.

At the same time, he urged police officers to reject unlawful orders and exercise restraint when dealing with civilians.

Looking ahead, Gachagua called on Kenyans to register as voters and channel their frustrations through constitutional means.

He described the peaceful observance of June 25, 2026 as a demonstration of public dissatisfaction with the current administration and urged citizens to pursue change through the ballot on August 10, 2027.

“I plead with the people of Kenya to stay alive, stay safe and register as voters, for we all have a date with destiny to liberate our country on 10th August 2027. We shall liberate our country through the mechanism provided for by our Constitution; the ballot,” Gachagua said.

IEBC Begins Month-Long Voter Registration Exercise in Five Electoral Areas

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the resumption of voter registration activities through an Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise in five electoral areas across the country.

In a gazette notice, IEBC announced that the month-long exercise began on June 25 and will run until July 25, 2026. It targets electoral areas where voter registration activities had previously been delayed due to pending by-elections and election-related court petitions.

The registration drive will be conducted in Mbeere North Constituency, Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Malava Constituency, Porro Ward in Samburu West Constituency, and Endo Ward in Marakwet East Constituency.

Expanded Access to Registration Services
To improve accessibility, the Commission will offer registration services daily throughout the exercise, including weekends.

The ECVR exercise will be conducted at County Assembly Ward level, constituency offices, Huduma Centres, institutions of higher learning located within the affected electoral areas, and at the Commission’s Customer Experience Centre on the ground floor of Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.

The move is expected to provide eligible voters with multiple registration points and greater flexibility in accessing voter registration services.

IEBC Begins Month-Long Voter Registration Exercise in Five Electoral Areas
IEBC Begins Month-Long Voter Registration Exercise in Five Electoral Areas
Exercise Targets Areas Affected by Electoral Processes
According to IEBC, the enhanced registration exercise is specifically aimed at areas where similar activities could not be undertaken earlier because of ongoing by-election preparations or pending legal disputes arising from electoral contests.

By conducting the exercise before future electoral activities, IEBC aims to ensure that eligible voters in the affected constituencies and wards have an opportunity to register and participate in upcoming elections.

Even as the enhanced exercise continues in the selected electoral areas, IEBC has clarified that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) remains available across the country.

Eligible Kenyans can continue registering as voters at all constituency offices, Huduma Centres, and the Customer Experience Centre at Anniversary Towers.

Following the conclusion of the ECVR exercise on July 25, regular voter registration and revision of the Register of Voters will continue at constituency offices from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

 

 

IEBC Sets August 10, 2027 as Kenya’s General Election Date

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially set Tuesday, August 10, 2027, as the date for Kenya’s next General Election, unveiling a detailed roadmap that outlines key electoral activities and deadlines leading up to the polls.

The announcement was made by Commissioner Ann Nderitu, Chairperson of the Election Operations Committee, during the launch of the Election Operations Plan (EOP), a framework designed to guide the planning, coordination and execution of the 2027 General Election.

Political Parties Face March Deadline
Political parties intending to participate in the election must submit their membership lists to the Commission by March 16, 2027. Parties are also required to provide details of candidates seeking nomination through party primaries, including the dates and venues of the primaries, by the same deadline.

According to the Commission, political parties must conclude their nomination exercises and resolve all intra-party disputes by May 9, 2027. The timeline is expected to give the electoral body adequate time to process nominations and address any emerging issues ahead of the official campaign period.

Individuals planning to contest as independent candidates must cease membership in any registered political party by May 9, 2027, at least three months before the General Election.

They are also required to submit their names and electoral symbols to the Commission by the same date.

The nomination period for both political party candidates and independent candidates will run from May 29 to June 11, 2027. Nomination papers will be presented directly to the IEBC Chairperson at designated venues during specified working hours.

IEBC Sets August 10, 2027 as Kenya’s General Election Date
IEBC Sets August 10, 2027 as Kenya’s General Election Date

Campaigns to Run for 71 Days

The Commission announced that the official campaign period will begin on May 29, 2027, and end on August 7, 2027, exactly 48 hours before polling day.

Any disputes arising from nominations must be filed by June 12, 2027, with the Commission required to determine and resolve them within ten days of lodging.

The Election Operations Plan is anchored in the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and serves as a comprehensive framework for managing the electoral process.

According to Commissioner Nderitu, the plan seeks to ensure timely implementation of electoral activities, strengthen transparency and accountability, promote stakeholder participation, and enhance institutional resilience.

The Commission also reminded public officers intending to contest elective seats that they must resign from office by February 9, 2027, six months before the General Election, in line with legal requirements.

 

GSU Commandant Calls for Professionalism Ahead of June 25 Gen Z Commemoration

General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Johana Kiplangat Tonui has called on officers to remain vigilant and professional as the country prepares to mark the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations commemoration.

Speaking during a briefing with commanders on Tuesday, Tonui urged officers to maintain peace, security, and law and order within their respective areas of responsibility. The meeting brought together senior GSU leadership ahead of the nationwide commemoration activities.

The June 25 commemoration marks the anniversary of the historic 2024 youth-led anti-Finance Bill protests, which saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets to oppose proposed tax measures and demand greater government accountability.

The demonstrations became a defining moment in Kenya’s recent political history, highlighting the growing influence of youth-led civic action.

Focus on Lawful and Professional Policing
During the briefing, the Commandant emphasized the importance of upholding professionalism and operating strictly within the law while carrying out policing duties.

He directed officers to protect lives and property, act with restraint, and ensure that all security operations are conducted in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.

Tonui also called on commanders to foster teamwork and coordination in executing the Unit’s mandate during the commemoration period.

GSU Commandant Calls for Professionalism Ahead of June 25 Gen Z Commemoration
GSU Commandant Calls for Professionalism Ahead of June 25 Gen Z Commemoration

The Commandant further assured officers of continued institutional support from the leadership of the National Police Service.

He noted that the Inspector General, the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, and the GSU leadership remain committed to providing the necessary guidance and support to officers deployed across the country.

Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Public Service
Senior GSU commanders who attended the meeting reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to serving the nation with discipline, dedication, and responsibility.

The briefing comes amid heightened security preparations as authorities anticipate Gen Z gatherings and commemorative activities in different parts of the country.

Security agencies have consistently emphasized the need for peaceful observance of the anniversary while safeguarding the constitutional rights of citizens.

 

 

Traders Demand Wider Public Participation on Tobacco Control Amendment Bill

Traders Demand Wider Public Participation on Tobacco Control Amendment Bill

Business owners, traders, retailers, distributors, and hospitality operators have called for broader public participation in the ongoing legislative process surrounding the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, arguing that stakeholders likely to be affected by the proposed law have not been adequately consulted.

In a joint statement issued on June 22, business representatives from Kenya’s Mountain region expressed concern over what they described as limited engagement with traders and entrepreneurs during consultations on the proposed amendments.

The group said discussions held in counties including Mombasa, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kiambu, Siaya, Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Trans Nzoia, and Nyeri revealed widespread concerns among stakeholders regarding their involvement in the legislative process.

While affirming support for regulations that promote public health and responsible business practices, the traders argued that laws affecting businesses should be developed through extensive consultations with those directly impacted.

Concerns Over Public Participation Process

The business community particularly questioned the decision by the National Assembly’s Health Committee to conduct public hearings on the Bill in Nairobi only.

According to the traders, the proposed legislation carries nationwide implications and therefore requires broader engagement mechanisms that allow participation from stakeholders across all counties.

They argued that many traders, retailers, hospitality operators, and small business owners may be unable to travel to Nairobi to present their views, potentially limiting the diversity of perspectives considered during the legislative process.

“Public participation cannot be called public participation when the majority of affected stakeholders are unable to access it,” the statement noted.

The group further raised concerns about the timing of the hearing, which is scheduled for June 25, saying the date holds particular significance for many Kenyans, especially young people, due to its association with civic engagement and constitutional rights discussions.

Traders Demand Wider Public Participation on Tobacco Control Amendment Bill
Traders Demand Wider Public Participation on Tobacco Control Amendment Bill
Calls for Inclusive Engagement

The traders are now seeking an extension of the public participation period and the introduction of additional engagement channels to facilitate broader stakeholder involvement.

Among their key proposals are county-based hearings, virtual participation platforms, and direct consultations with business sectors that may be affected by the proposed amendments.

They also urged lawmakers to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Bill’s potential economic implications, including its impact on businesses, employment, livelihoods, and government revenue.

The group noted that many businesses are already grappling with multiple challenges, including high operating costs, taxation pressures, licensing requirements, and reduced consumer spending.

“As traders and business owners, we support inclusive governance and meaningful public participation. We believe laws should be developed with the people and not imposed on the people,” the statement said.

Balancing Public Health and Economic Interests

The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to strengthen Kenya’s tobacco control framework as part of broader public health efforts aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm.

However, the latest concerns from traders highlight the ongoing debate over how public health objectives can be balanced with economic considerations affecting businesses operating within the sector.

The business owners have called on the National Assembly’s Health Committee and other relevant institutions to expand stakeholder engagement before proceeding with the Bill’s next stages.

The proposed legislation continues to attract interest from public health advocates, policymakers, business groups, and other stakeholders as discussions on its provisions move forward.

Gachagua Urges Gen Z to Skip June 25 Protests, Warns of Planned Violence

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Gen Z protesters to stay away from the planned June 25 demonstrations, warning that the protests could turn deadly due to what he described as credible information about planned violence and state-backed disruptions.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary protests, Gachagua said he feared that young people could lose their lives if they take to the streets. He urged them to consider alternative ways of expressing their dissatisfaction with the government.

“Retreat is not surrender and strategy is not cowardice,” Gachagua said. “We need these young people alive to help transform this country through the ballot next year.”

Claims of State-Sponsored Violence Raise Concerns
The former Deputy President alleged that the government had organized violence through the deployment of police officers and hired gangs to infiltrate demonstrations.

According to him, the groups would be used to create chaos, destroy property and provide justification for a heavy police response.

Gachagua accused senior government officials of issuing threats ahead of the protests and claimed that authorities were preparing for a violent crackdown on demonstrators.

Gachagua Urges Gen Z to Skip June 25 Protests, Warns of Planned Violence
Gachagua Urges Gen Z to Skip June 25 Protests, Warns of Planned Violence

He argued that previous demonstrations had followed a similar pattern, where criminal elements allegedly worked alongside security forces before police intervened against protesters.

“The state has organized very serious violence,” he said, adding that innocent Kenyans risked being injured, killed or having their property destroyed.

Instead of street demonstrations, Gachagua called on Kenyans to stage a nationwide stay-at-home protest. He urged business owners, workers, motorists and families to remain indoors on June 25 to avoid exposing themselves to potential danger.

He specifically advised businesses in Nairobi, the Mt Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok to remain closed and make arrangements to protect their premises from possible vandalism.

Parents Urged to Keep Children Indoors
Gachagua also appealed to parents to ensure children remain indoors throughout the day, citing concerns about stray bullets and violence during protests.

He referenced past incidents where innocent bystanders, including children, were harmed during demonstrations and warned that similar risks could emerge if unrest escalates.

According to Gachagua, a nationwide shutdown would send a strong political message without exposing citizens to violence.

“If all Kenyans stayed at home, we would have made a very big statement,” he said. “Stop the country, stop the economy. That is a very effective way of protest.”

 

27 Seconds to Victory: How a Nairobi Entrepreneur Won an E-Bike at a Football Watch Party

27 Seconds to Victory: How a Nairobi Entrepreneur Won an E-Bike at a Football Watch Party

For most football fans, a watch party is about cheering for their favourite team, sharing the excitement with fellow supporters, and enjoying the atmosphere that only the beautiful game can create.

For 30-year-old entrepreneur Clinton Odhiambo Odanga, however, one football watch party turned into an opportunity he never saw coming.

At the BetGr8 World Cup Kick-Off Watch Party held at Uhuru Park, Odanga walked away with a fully insured Spiro electric bike worth more than KSh 160,000 after winning the event’s Pepeta Challenge, a football juggling competition that tested skill, focus, and composure under pressure.

All it took was 27 seconds.

A Passion for Football Pays Off

Football has always been part of Odanga’s life.

“I’ve loved soccer since I was a kid,” he says.

When he joined hundreds of football fans at the BetGr8 World Cup activation, his goal was simple: enjoy the match-day experience and connect with fellow supporters.

What he did not expect was to leave with one of the evening’s biggest prizes.

The Pepeta Challenge required participants to keep a football in the air for as long as possible. One by one, competitors stepped forward to test their skills.

When Odanga’s turn came, he remained calm and focused, keeping the ball airborne for an impressive 27 seconds, the longest time recorded that evening.

“When my name was called, I was so excited. I didn’t expect it at all. I came just to enjoy the game and be part of the experience,” he recalls.

27 Seconds to Victory: How a Nairobi Entrepreneur Won an E-Bike at a Football Watch Party
27 Seconds to Victory: How a Nairobi Entrepreneur Won an E-Bike at a Football Watch Party
Building a Business Through Innovation

Away from football, Odanga has quietly been building a business powered by technology and curiosity.

A graduate of Technical and Applied Physics from the Technical University of Kenya, he runs Vortex Inc., a virtual reality experience business based at Uhuru Park.

For the past five years, he has introduced visitors to immersive virtual reality experiences, charging KSh 150 per session. Many of his customers encounter VR technology for the first time through his business.

Every day from noon until the park closes, he interacts with people eager to explore digital worlds and experience technology in a completely different way.

“It’s exciting because I get to meet different people and show them something new every day,” he says.

His work reflects a growing generation of young Kenyan entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities by blending innovation, technology, and creativity.

More Than Just a Prize

The Spiro electric bike represents more than a reward for football skills.

For Odanga, it is a practical tool that can help him grow his business and improve his daily mobility.

“This bike will help me move around more efficiently and give my business a boost. I’m already learning how to ride it,” he says with a smile.

As entrepreneurs continue to navigate rising transport costs and the demands of running small businesses, the electric bike offers both convenience and cost savings.

The prize was awarded as part of BetGr8’s World Cup campaign, delivered in partnership with Spiro, which aims to create memorable football experiences while rewarding fan participation.

Odanga has since downloaded the BetGr8 app and is taking time to learn more about the platform.

“I’m taking time to understand how it works and how to bet responsibly,” he says.

When Opportunity Meets Participation

Sometimes life-changing moments arrive when they are least expected.

For Odanga, a football challenge that lasted less than half a minute became a memorable milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

His story is a reminder that opportunities often emerge when passion meets participation.

From studying physics to running a virtual reality business and winning a KSh 160,000 electric bike through a 27-second football challenge, Odanga’s journey reflects the energy, resilience, and ambition of a new generation of Kenyan entrepreneurs finding creative ways to build their future.

And sometimes, all it takes is keeping a ball in the air for a few extra seconds.

Linda Mwananchi Pushes Kisii, Keroka Rallies to July 3 Amid National Commemoration Plans

Linda Mwananchi has announced the postponement of its Kisii and Keroka rallies initially scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, pushing the events to Friday, July 3, 2026.

The movement says the adjustment is intended to align with national remembrance activities honouring victims of the 2024 Gen-Z protests, including those killed or forcibly disappeared.

In its statement, Linda Mwananchi said it will join other Kenyans of goodwill in standing in solidarity with affected families during the commemoration period. The group described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on alleged state violence and unresolved injustices linked to the protests.

Security Concerns Ahead of Commemoration Events
However, the organisation also raised concerns over what it termed a heightened risk of police and state-linked brutality during the commemorative events. It warned that there is a reasonable expectation of unlawful arrests targeting participants in what it insists will be peaceful gatherings.

The group further called on the National Police Service to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens attending the remembrance events, stressing that the right to peaceful assembly must be respected.

On governance issues, Linda Mwananchi criticised the government’s approach to compensating victims of the 2024 protests. It argued that while monetary assistance has been proposed, it falls short of delivering justice and accountability.

Linda Mwananchi Pushes Kisii, Keroka Rallies to July 3 Amid National Commemoration Plans
Linda Mwananchi Pushes Kisii, Keroka Rallies to July 3 Amid National Commemoration Plans

The movement also faulted what it termed a lack of transparency in the compensation framework and the exclusion of constitutionally mandated oversight bodies from the process. According to the group, these gaps continue to deepen the pain experienced by victims’ families and undermine prospects for national reconciliation.

Separately, Linda Mwananchi addressed internal political developments involving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), specifically the party’s National Executive Committee decision to once again remove Secretary-General Hon. Edwin Sifuna.

Linda Mwananchi described the decision as procedurally flawed, unfair, and inconsistent with the party’s constitution. It confirmed that, following legal consultation, it intends to challenge the ouster in court, arguing that it mirrors a previous attempt in February that was also contested.

 

Senate Committee Orders Arrest of Governor Kihika Over Failure to Honour Summons

The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has ordered the arrest of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, escalating a standoff over her repeated failure to appear before the House committee despite multiple summons.

The decision was reached on Monday, 22 June 2026, during a session held at the Parliament Buildings. Members accused Governor Kihika of deliberately ignoring formal invitations and a subsequent summons linked to an ongoing Senate inquiry.

Allegations of Non-Compliance in Fishermen Disappearance Probe
According to Senator Dullo, the Governor has failed to honour all appearances required in connection with a petition on alleged forced disappearances of young fishermen at Lake Nakuru National Park.

The Committee argued that her non-compliance had obstructed the inquiry process, forcing it to invoke powers to compel attendance through arrest.

Governor Kihika is among key stakeholders expected to provide submissions on governance and security issues surrounding the lake, which has become central to the ongoing investigation. However, she has not attended any of the scheduled hearings.

In the same sitting, the Committee ordered a fresh round of fish sampling and testing from Lake Nakuru after petitioners rejected a report previously tabled by the Kenya Fisheries Service.

The Committee directed that the new testing be carried out in the presence of Senators, petitioners, and relevant agencies to ensure transparency and credibility.

It further resolved to summon officials from the Ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, Agriculture, and Interior to provide additional information before a final report is compiled.

Senate Committee Orders Arrest of Governor Kihika Over Failure to Honour Summons
Senate Committee Orders Arrest of Governor Kihika Over Failure to Honour Summons
Meeting with Treasury and Cabinet Leadership on Land Issue
In a separate engagement later in the day, the Committee met Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and National Treasury CS John Mbadi to deliberate on the degazettement of Capitol Hill Police Station land.

Mudavadi defended the process, stating it followed Cabinet approval and legal procedures. He explained that the land was subdivided and allocated to institutions including the African Trade Insurance Agency, Financial Sector Regulators, and St John Ambulance for institutional development purposes.