June 30, 2025: Top news events to look out for today
By Martin Oduor, June 30, 2025Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.
Ruto’s Europe tour
President William Ruto has embarked on a high-stakes diplomatic tour to Spain and the United Kingdom, where he is expected to secure landmark deals aimed at strengthening Kenya’s global economic position and attracting investment.
A statement released by the State House on Saturday outlined the President’s itinerary, which begins in Seville, Spain, where he will attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) from June 30 to July 3, 2025.
“President William Ruto departs today for official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom, where he is set to renew the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, unlock major investments, create jobs, and boost Kenya’s global competitiveness in trade, climate, technology, and security,” part of the press release read.
June 25 protest aftermath
The dust is yet to settle following the Gen Z-led protests held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, which left at least 10 people dead and hundreds injured.
Today, political discourse is expected to remain heated after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the demonstrations as an attempted coup and instructed police to shoot to kill.
Murkomen denied claims of police brutality, instead framing the protests as acts of terrorism disguised as dissent.
The government’s heavy-handed response has continued to draw sharp condemnation from the opposition and human rights groups.
Protest victims
Victims of the June 25 protests continue to recover from injuries, while families of those killed are pushing for justice.
Civil society groups report that at least 19 people died and 531 others were injured during the protests.
Today, rights organisations are expected to continue pressuring the government to hold those responsible accountable.
Saba Saba mobilisation
Momentum for Saba Saba has been building across social media platforms and is expected to continue even today.
The Saba Saba demonstration, rooted in the Swahili phrase for “Seven Seven” (July 7th), marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history when, on July 7, 1990, nationwide protests erupted to demand the reintroduction of a multi-party political system against the authoritarian one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi.
Despite a government ban and the arrest of key pro-democracy figures like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, thousands defied the crackdown, leading to violent confrontations with police that resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and detentions, ultimately forcing the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991 and paving the way for democratic reforms.
Just like 2024, this year’s Saba Saba commemoration comes in the middle of chaos, grief, and rage amid death and destruction occasioned by June 25 protests.
Power outage
Kenya Power has announced that parts of Kericho, Nyamira, and Embu counties will experience scheduled power interruptions today, Monday, June 30, 2025.
The company said the blackout will allow for essential maintenance work on the power network to ensure a better and more reliable electricity supply.
Power outages in parts of three affected counties will occur at varying times during the day