Kenyan newspapers on Friday, July 4, covered a diverse range of significant events, from alleged high-cost construction at State House to intense public protests and political maneuvering. Key headlines highlighted the controversial building of a church at the presidential residence, the chaotic burial proceedings of slain blogger Albert Ojwang' in Homa Bay, and the reappearance of blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia in court after a period of disappearance. Additionally, political speculation centered on Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi's potential bid for the Bungoma governorship.

The Daily Nation reported that President William Ruto is reportedly constructing a substantial church within the grounds of State House, Nairobi. Architectural plans acquired by the newspaper indicate that the proposed 'Cathedral,' designed by Skair Architects Limited, is intended to accommodate up to 8,000 congregants and is estimated to cost KSh 1.2 billion. The structure features tall windows, a prominent cross-topped main tower visible from a distance, and its construction is reportedly underway near the presidential helicopter landing pad. This initiative aligns with President Ruto's stated desire to affirm his Christian faith, reminiscent of the prayer area he maintained at his official residence in Karen during his tenure as Deputy President.

This ambitious construction project has drawn sharp criticism, notably from outspoken comedian Timothy Kimani, widely known as Njugush. Njugush publicly questioned the government's priorities by highlighting a stark contrast between the KSh 1.2 billion church and the struggles faced by Kenyans in accessing affordable healthcare. He pointed out that citizens are being forced to pay out-of-pocket for essential medicines and that kidney patients in public hospitals are reportedly paying double for services, despite having insurance coverage. Njugush's sentiments resonated deeply with many Kenyans, who expressed widespread anger, frustration, and disbelief online, questioning the allocation of public funds amidst pressing societal needs. Njugush, a proponent of better governance, was also among the public figures who participated in nationwide protests on June 25, emphasizing peaceful demonstration and advocating for justice and accountability from the government.

Taifa Leo detailed the volatile scenes witnessed in Homa Bay County during the arrival of the body of slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang' for burial. A procession en route to the deceased's home was intercepted by hundreds of mourners who forcibly diverted it to Mawego Police Station—the very place where Ojwang' was initially detained before his ill-fated transfer to Nairobi. The enraged youths subsequently torched the police station in Rachuonyo North. Despite prior arrangements for the funeral service at Nyawango Primary School, where classes were suspended, the situation escalated. Ojwang's father, Meshack Opiyo, his mother Eucabeth Adhiambo, and his widow, Nevnina Onyango, pleaded with the mourners to allow the body to be taken directly home. However, the youths, joined by students from Mawego Polytechnic, removed the coffin from the hearse and carried it approximately three kilometers to the police station. Upon arrival, they hurled stones at the windows before setting the building ablaze, by which time the stationed police officers had already fled.

The Standard newspaper provided updates on the intriguing disappearance and reappearance of blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia. After being missing for over ten days, Kinyagia resurfaced and appeared in court, where his lawyer stated he had not been abducted but had gone into hiding to evade arrest by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Kinyagia's disappearance had previously fueled public outrage, prompting the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to initiate litigation demanding his whereabouts from authorities. Justice Chacha Mwita had even compelled the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and DCI boss Mohamed Amin to produce the blogger. Although the DCI initially denied holding Kinyagia, they confirmed he was a person of interest in their ongoing investigation into the planning of the June 25 protests, specifically concerning social media posts outlining the protest itinerary. Reacting to his reappearance, the National Police Service (NPS) publicly criticized Kinyagia, accusing him of staging his abduction to incite public uproar and urged him to present himself at the DCI headquarters.

Finally, People Daily reported on the increasing likelihood of Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi contesting for the Bungoma governorship in 2027. A consortium of lawmakers from Bungoma County has publicly endorsed Wanyonyi, who was previously rumored to be eyeing the Nairobi governorship in the same election cycle, as the ideal successor to Governor Ken Lusaka. Among his prominent endorsers are MPs Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Martin Wanyonyi (Webuye East), John Waluke (Sirisia), John Chikati (Tongaren), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), John Makali (Kanduyi), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), and Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon). John Waluke was quoted praising Wanyonyi's