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Thousands of Kenyans who risked being locked out of the tax filing now have a reason to smile after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced a 24-hour extension.

The deadline that was set to expire at midnight on Monday, 30 June, has now been extended to midnight on Tuesday, 1 July.

According to the KRA, this is to give more Kenyans time to file their returns following technical challenges experienced with the iTax system on the last day of filing (June 30).

''We have opened the service lane! 24-hour extension up to tomorrow, July 1, 2025, midnight to file and pay your returns!'' the taxman shared in a statement. 

Additionally, Kenyans seeking assistance at the KRA contact centre will be able to access services between 7am and 8pm on Tuesday.

Furthermore, tax offices at service centres across the country will remain open for an extended 12-hour period, from 8am to 8pm, to facilitate last-minute filing and offer support to taxpayers.

According to the KRA, filing annual tax returns is a mandatory legal obligation for all eligible taxpayers, not just salaried employees. This includes business owners, landlords, farmers, and even individuals with no income during the year, who are required to file a NIL return.

KRA emphasises that filing must be done even if one's employer already deducts and remits Pay As You Earn (PAYE). 

For the self-employed, those earning rental income or engaging in farming activities, declaring all sources of income is compulsory under the law.

Failure to meet the filing deadline attracts penalties. KRA imposes a fine of 5 per cent of the tax due or Ksh2,000—whichever is higher—for late filing.

In addition, if tax remains unpaid after the deadline, a further penalty of 5 per cent of the unpaid tax is charged, along with a 1 per cent monthly interest until the amount is settled.

Meanwhile, earlier in May, the taxman had taken similar steps to ease the pressure on taxpayers by extending its working hours. On Tuesday, May 20, KRA announced that all its service centres and Huduma Centres would operate for extended hours to accommodate the high number of Kenyans filing their 2024 income tax returns.

The move was part of the authority’s broader effort to ensure compliance ahead of the June 30 deadline, targeting all Kenyans with active KRA PINs. It aimed to reduce last-minute congestion and technical difficulties that often occur as the deadline approaches.

A file image of the reception area at KRA offices in Nairobi.

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KRA

Police do not have the missing activist and blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Amin Mohammed, has revealed.

While addressing the media on Monday, Mohammed said that Kinyagia, the alleged itinerary planner of the Gen Z commemoration protests, is not in the custody of the detectives or the police. 

Speaking outside the DCI headquarters, Amin dismissed claims that the missing blogger was in the custody of the police.

Additionally, he directed that the blogger should immediately present himself to the police to aid in explaining the circumstances of his disappearance. 

DCI Director Mohammed Amin.

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Kelly Ayodi

Further, the top detective revealed that the blogger was a person of interest to the directorate after publishing what he termed as "very inflammatory material" that prompted an interest in him. 

"Ndiangui Kinyagia is not under the custody of the National Police Service; he is a person of interest to us, and wherever he is, I'll urge that he submit himself and that he surrender to the nearest police station," Amin stated. 

However, Amin admitted that his officers managed to search the house of the activist and were able to recover electronic items. 

''Unfortunately, he (Ndiangui) was not in his apartment. We managed to search and we were able to recover an assortment of electronic gadgets that we believe will be useful to us in our investigations. We were able to do an inventory, which was countersigned by the caretaker of those apartments.'' 

Kinyagia had shared a post on his X platform on Thursday, June 19, detailing the itinerary of the June 25 protests that included a plan to march to State House and the declaration of a new republic.

In the timetable, the protests were to commence at 8am with an opening prayer, followed by a praise and worship session, then ten minutes of silence for fallen Gen Zs who died in last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.

Other main items of the agenda included speeches by representatives of the parents of departed youth, time slated for running battles with police, and an assembly by citizens at the main roundabouts in Nairobi, which would occur at noon.

Afterwards, the citizens would then lower the UDA Presidential Standard and raise the Kenyan flag. A new republic would then be declared “by the people for the people.” A new transition council would then be sworn in, with the last agenda being action meted out on the Head of State.

On Monday, Justice Chacha Mwita ordered the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the DCI boss to produce missing blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia.

Failure to do so, Justice Mwita ordered Kanja and his DCI counterpart to appear in court tomorrow to show cause why Kinyagia cannot be produced in court.

A screengrab of protesters in Moi Avenue, in the Nairobi CBD, during protests on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

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Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, the vendor who was shot during the June 17 protests, has died.

Kariuki, who had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kenyatta National Hospital, passed away at 3.15pm on Monday, June 30, almost two weeks after the shooting.

Speaking to the press while announcing the death, the family claimed that although the hospital bill had piled up to over Ksh3.5 million, no government institution had come forward to help clear it, thus seeking help from Kenyans.

"All I can say is that we have a tough task ahead, as getting him out of there (the mortuary) is hard because we do not have money. We are seeking help from Kenyans," Jonah Kariuki, his father, stated.

A screengrab of a police officer firing at protesters near Imenti House in Nairobi, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

"I want justice for my son because my son did not do anything wrong. I knew that in the future, he was my only hope. He was my only son, as the rest are daughters.

This development comes just a day after the family confirmed that he had been declared brain dead on Sunday at around midnight.

While announcing the news, the family spokesperson stated that since that meant his brainstem was no longer functioning, the family was waiting for the doctors to declare him clinically dead.

Legal frameworks in the country barred the family from taking Kariuki off life support until his heart stopped beating. 

During the June 17 protests, two police officers were caught on camera assaulting the unarmed mask vendor before one shot him at point-blank range in the head.

Kariuki was left bleeding on the ground, where fellow protesters rushed him to the hospital. An emergency surgery hours later at the Kenyatta National Hospital retrieved a bullet from his skull.

His shooting elicited a public uproar from human rights defenders and the public in general, not only because he was unarmed, but also because the protest aimed to call out police brutality.

Speaking during an interview on Monday morning, just hours before Kariuki would succumb to his injuries, former police spokesperson Charles Owino claimed that he had insulted the police officers.

“It was a very simple exchange. If you listen to that clip closely, you will hear the boy abusing the policeman. But as an officer, you must have restraint—and shoot him with a rubber bullet, not a live one. You can see what this has done to the image of the police so far,” Owino stated.

Speaking of the police officer who pulled the trigger, Klinzy Baraza Masinde, Owino claimed that he was a young recruit who had served for less than two years, and he took to heart the insults, leading to the rash reaction.

The two police officers were arrested shortly after the shooting, and on June 19, they were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts, where the judge granted the prosecution and the defence's wish to hold them for 15 days to allow for further investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Police officers involved in the shooting of Boniface Kariuki being presented at the Milimani Law Courts.

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NTV

Boniface Kariuki, a mask vendor who was shot by a police officer during protests on Tuesday, June 17, has been declared brain dead.

Speaking to the press at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Sunday, Kariuki's family revealed that the doctors had advised them that his brainstem is no longer functioning.

As it stands, the family is waiting for the doctors to officially declare him clinically dead.

Medically, being brain-dead means that the brain has completely stopped functioning and the damage is irreversible. A brain-dead person cannot breathe without mechanical support, making the individual legally dead, even if their heart continues to beat with the aid of a ventilator. 

A screengrab of Susan Njeri, mother to Boniface Kariuki, the mask vendor who was shot by a police officer during protests in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

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NTV

The family spokesperson told journalists that they had received a call from the hospital at around midnight, where they were informed that he was brain-dead.

"We received a call from the hospital at 12.47am saying that they needed to have a brief with us, and we have been told what is happening," she stated.

"The reality of things is that Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is declared brain-dead. The hospital bill is now higher than Ksh3 million. We are praying and hoping for the well-wishers because when someone is declared brain dead, we know what it means, so the brainstem of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki is not working any longer."

Kariuki's father, Jonah Kariuki, revealed that although his son's brain was not functioning anymore, his heart was still beating.

He therefore sought the help of Kenyans to help pay the bills that have accumulated since his son was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following his shooting on Tuesday, June 17.

While giving an update on the protest casualties a day after, the hospital's KNH CEO, Dr William Sigilai, revealed that the mask vendor had already undergone surgery to remove a bullet-like object from his brain.

Although he said further forensic tests needed to be made first, Sigilai stated that the object might have been a rubber bullet.

As Kenyans marched for the justice of Albert Ojwang, who was killed in a police cell, two police officers were captured on camera harassing Kariuki before one shot him at point-blank range and rendered him unconscious. 

Unfortunately, his family was swindled out of Ksh200,000, adding to their tribulations as their son fought for his life in the hospital.

Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker shot by police in Nairobi CBD, addresses the press on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

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Okiya Omtatah

A lobby group has moved to court to challenge the Communication Authority of Kenya’s (CA's) decision to stop live coverage of the protests and switch off free-to-air signals for KTN, NTV and Citizen TV.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, June 25, the Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) revealed that they had sought an urgent judicial review application at the High Court.

“Today, Katiba Institute (KI) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have filed an urgent Judicial Review Application at the High Court in Nairobi challenging the unconstitutional directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), which ordered all television and radio stations to cease live coverage of ongoing public demonstrations,” part of the statement read.

"This directive was swiftly followed by police raids on major broadcast transmission sites of Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN, leading to the unlawful shutdown of their free-to-air services. The CA threatened broadcasters with regulatory sanctions, including license revocations, should they defy the directive."

Inside NTV studio along Kimathi Street in Nairobi.

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NTV

In their application, the two entities cited that CA's directive had contravened three key constitutional rights of Kenyans, including violating the constitutional freedoms of expression, media, and information under Articles 33, 34, and 35 of the Constitution.

They also cited that the directive contravened the right to fair administrative action and due process under Article 47 and the Fair Administrative Action Act.

Lastly, the directive undermined previous court decisions, including Republic v. Chiloba (2023) and Kenya Union of Journalists v. CAK (2024), which had already declared similar actions illegal and ruled that CAK lacks legal authority to regulate broadcast content, a role constitutionally assigned to the Media Council of Kenya.

As such, the groups sought three urgent conservatory orders from the High Court to suspend the unlawful CA memo, compel the restoration of TV and radio broadcasts and restrain any enforcement of the directive.

"Media freedom and the right to protest are pillars of Kenya's democracy. Gagging the press violates not just media rights but also the public's right to know and hold power accountable. The Applicants call on the judiciary to act swiftly to preserve the Constitution and protect the public interest," the statement concluded.

Moments after issuing the directive, the authority stormed the Limuru transmission station and switched off free-to-air signals of the top TV stations.

This action came after the stations continued to broadcast the protests live across the different regions in Kenya.

However, these stations continue to stream their coverage on social media, and those with subscriptions to satellite TV services can also access the coverage.

KTN and NTV Studios

File

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has stormed the NTV and KTN transmission stations, deactivating the free-to-air signal and taking them off air.

In separate statements, both news houses confirmed that this was a result of them continuing to broadcast the live coverage of the protests despite an order from the authorities.

NTV confirmed that their Limuru transmission station had been interfered with, although they remain live on social media pages, including YouTube.

KTN also confirmed that although they had been taken off air, the live coverage continued on its KTN News YouTube page and Facebook and X platforms.

KTN and NTV Studios

File

Citizen TV has also been taken off air after it was confirmed that CA officials and police raided its Limuru transmission station.

Sharing a video of the officials arriving at the site, Citizen TV stated, "Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) officials arrive at Citizen TV’s transmission station in Limuru."

This action means that only Kenyans with subscriptions to satellite TV services can access the channels, as free-to-air signals like Signet and Pang are currently not available for the two stations.

Moments before the signals were switched off, CA released a statement directing all TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the demonstrations, as it contravened Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the constitution.

Read together, the two Articles allude to the fact that although press freedom and independence of electronic, print, and all other types of media are guaranteed, they do not extend to propaganda for war, incitement to violence, hate speech, or advocacy of hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others, or incitement to cause harm, or is based on discrimination. 

Shortly after this order, the Standard Group released a statement defending its decision to continue streaming on its TV and radio stations, stating that it would consult its lawyers to establish the legality of this order.

It also confirmed that similar threats had been made to the broadcasters during last year's anti-finance bill protests that left at least 60 dead, who are being commemorated in Wednesday's protests.

Just as in last year's protests, casualties have already been reported, with at least one reported dead in Matuu, Machakos County, from a police gunshot.

A photo of the KTN News Studios at Standard Media

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KTN News

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered all television and radio stations in the country to stop live broadcasting of the ongoing June 25 demonstrations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CA's Director General, David Mugonyi, stated that covering the protests contravenes both the Constitution and section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act.

Mugonyi warned that the authority would take action against any stations that fail to adhere to the directive.

"The live coverage of the June 25th, 2025, demonstrations is contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 461 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998," it stated.

A section of protestors climb a statue along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Kenyans.co.ke

"This is therefore to direct all television and radio stations to stop any live coverage of the demonstrations forthwith. Failure to abide by this directive will result in regulatory action as stipulated in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998," it added.

Hundreds of protestors took to the streets on Wednesday to mark a year since the anti-finance demonstrations that left tens of young Kenyans dead.

In Nairobi, senior political figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined the protests, as did Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Alliance of Kenya (DAP-Kenya), Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

However, moments later, chaos erupted in the city's Central Business District (CBD) following a confrontation between protesters and anti-riot police officers, with the police firing tear gas in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators.

Maraga, who addressed the Press moments after touching down in CBD, castigated the excessive use of force on protestors by the police, stressing that such actions contravened the constitution.

"We strongly condemn the use of state violence against grieving families and peaceful protesters. The flagrant violation of the Constitution and human rights must stop," Maraga said.

In a statement earlier today, the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to prioritise peace while demonstrating. Murkomen said that the security agencies will remain committed to protecting critical infrastructures and businesses. 

“As you go about your daily activities, be assured that your safety and the protection of your livelihoods are our top priority,” Murkomen said.

"For those who will turn up to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate, we urge them to do so peacefully and unarmed as provided for in our laws. Peace is the foundation for a strong and prosperous Nation; let us all join hands to uphold it," he added.

Armed police officers confronting protesters in the Nairobi CBD on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam, Police Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani, and three others over the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

In a statement issued on Monday, DPP Renson Ingonga confirmed that the decision followed the conclusion of investigations and submission of case files by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

“Following the directive, IPOA submitted the inquiry file to my office on June 22, 2025, for perusal and legal guidance. Upon receipt, I immediately constituted a team of senior prosecutors to conduct a comprehensive review,” read part of the statement.

“After careful examination of the evidence, I have approved murder charges against six individuals, including police officers Samson Kiprotich Talaam, James Mukhwana, and Peter Kimani.”

Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Talaam during a past court session in June 2025.

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Screengrab/Citizen TV

The six suspects are currently appearing before the Kibera High Court to answer to murder charges, contrary to Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap. 63 of the Laws of Kenya, following the DPP’s approval of their prosecution.

The suspects are said to have assaulted Ojwang while in custody at the Central Police Station, Nairobi, leading to his death on June 8. 

The developments come after the High Court on Wednesday last week ruled that Talaam be detained for 15 days to allow police to complete their investigations into Ojwang’s case. The OCS was arrested on June 13 in Eldoret.

Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, during the trial ruling, said that the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to warrant the denial of bail.

Two days before the development, the DPP had accused the embattled Taalam of paying a technician to delete CCTV footage linked to the death of the blogger. 

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, the DPP, through legal counsel, accused the OCS of interfering with crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation into the teacher's death. 

This was after it emerged that a technician was paid Ksh3,000 to delete the crucial footage that is said to be important in piecing together what happened to the blogger while in police custody. It was not immediately made public who paid for the deletion of the CCTV footage.

However, the prosecution on Monday last week claimed that Taalam, as the custodian of station records and surveillance systems, allegedly contracted the technician to tamper with the CCTV footage at the station in what is believed to be a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.

The OCS has, however, in different court sessions, maintained that he was not involved in the circumstances surrounding the death of the blogger.

ODPP offices in Nairobi.

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ODPP

The police officer accused of shooting an unarmed mask vendor in Nairobi has been arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, the National Police Service has said.

According to a statement from Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the officer who shot the vendor, identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, at point-blank range at the height of the protests in Nairobi, will be arraigned in court. 

“Following this incident, the Inspector-General of the National Police Service ordered for the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” Nyaga said.

While confirming the incident that has shocked the country, police said they noted an anti-riot officer had shot an “unarmed civilian using an anti-riot shotgun.”

A wide-angled picture of the police officer running towards the protester from a convoy of police along Moi Avenue, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

This is the first statement from any government agency since the incident happened around 4pm.

Videos analysed by Kenyans.co.ke showed a police officer running towards a group of protesters who were along Mondlane Street near Imenti House before firing the first shot.

At this point, he was not near the victim, who was on the other corner of Imentin House along Mondlane Street. The officer was on Moi Avenue.

Minutes later, the officer walked towards a group of police officers who were camped next to Cabral Street opposite Nairobi Sports Center along Moi Avenue.

For some reason, after a few steps, he turned back and started running towards the protesters.

It is at this point that he encounters Mwangi, who was away from the protesters holding a bunch of face masks in one hand. This time, the officer was in the company of a colleague, and the two began to beat up Mwangi.

The vendor then falls to the ground, and then the second police officer hits the hawker with the butt of his gun. A few seconds passed, and then, the first officer aimed his gun at him and shot him at close range in the head.

Mwangi lies on the ground, bleeding helplessly. A section of protesters then runs to his aid and rushes him to Bliss Medical Center, where he receives first aid while awaiting an ambulance.

According to witnesses, a Red Cross Kenya ambulance approaches the medical centre near the National Archives as protesters gather outside in anger. Police then fired teargas to disperse the crowd, only for the ambulance to retreat.

Witnesses said the ambulance returned and took Mwangi to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is receiving treatment despite earlier reports of him succumbing to his injuries.

“The victim was taken to the hospital and he is receiving medical attention,” Nyaga said in his statement.

Police engaging the protester, who is shot moments later at Imenti House, June 17, 2025.

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Africa Uncensored

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a raft of reforms targeting police stations across the country, key among them the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in all stations within the next two years.

Under the new directive, each police station will be required to have functional CCTV surveillance systems, including live monitoring accessible by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). The footage must be backed up securely to aid future investigations.

Murkomen further directed that all instances of assault or misconduct within stations be reported within an hour, with the CCTV systems expected to play a central role in ensuring accountability.

This will be rolled out across all 1,209 police stations in Kenya, with Parliament set to enact legislation that criminalises the deletion of CCTV footage.

A collage of CCTV cameras and a DVR recording interface.

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Techwizard/ Ease US

Additionally, the CS announced the full digitisation of Occurrence Books (OBs) across all police stations in a year. He said this would ensure that every report filed can be tracked, audited, and verified in real time to eliminate tampering and increase transparency.

Adding to these changes, Murkomen announced a community-focused integration plan to improve public trust and service delivery. He revealed that police operations will undergo regular independent audits to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. High-performing officers and stations will be publicly recognised and rewarded.

''Officers will be required to work together with civil groups, religious groups, and local communities, and this shall undergo regular evaluation to see who is adhering to the set protocols,'' he directed.

To anchor the reforms, the CS directed the rollout of continuous development training, starting with OCSs, who will undertake minimum constitutional and professional conduct courses aimed at enhancing discipline, rights-based policing, and efficient service delivery.

“I have directed that continuous development training begin immediately, starting with OCSs, who will undergo minimum constitutional training to improve professionalism and accountability in the police service,” Murkomen stated.

Parliament and the Treasury will be working closely with his ministry to avail funds for the training exercises according to the outspoken CS. However, the CS decried cosntant budget cuts highlighting that training was the most affected. 

Meanwhile, Murkomen highlighted challenges in implementing Article 244 of the Constitution, which defines the objectives and functions of the National Police Service. He noted that the article demands high standards of professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to human rights, areas where gaps persist.

Nevertheless, pressure continues to mount on the CS to direct Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat to step aside over the ongoing investigation. However, the CS has insisted that the due legal process must be followed.

Meanwhile, social media platforms have been flooded with calls for protests scheduled for Tuesday, with demonstrators expected to demand Lagat’s resignation over his alleged connection to the circumstances surrounding the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Collage of slain influencer Albert Ojwang and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

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Kenyans.co.ke