Kenyans turned to Google in large numbers this week, looking for answers, updates, and major headlines that dominated national conversations. From shocking tragedies to unfolding investigations and government announcements, these were the most searched topics capturing the country’s attention:
Diogo Jota
Liverpool forward and Portuguese international Diogo Jota was among the top trending topics in Kenya following news of his tragic death alongside his brother, André Silva.
The two were involved in a fatal car crash in northern Spain after their Lamborghini reportedly suffered a tyre burst while overtaking another vehicle, veering off the road and bursting into flames.
Tributes poured in from around the world, with the Portuguese Football Federation observing a moment of silence during a women's European Championship match. Jota was remembered not only as a gifted player but also as a joyful, respected figure on and off the pitch.
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The accident occurred just ten days after his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children; making the loss all the more devastating for fans and family alike.
Albert Ojwang
The late teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang also dominated searches this week as the country continued to follow developments surrounding his controversial death in police custody.
A requiem mass was held on Wednesday, July 2, at Ridgeways Baptist Church, where family, friends, and activists paid an emotional tribute to his life and character.
On July 3, during Ojwang’s funeral procession, protesters marched to Mawego Police Station; where he was last held before being transferred to Nairobi and set it ablaze, expressing outrage over his death and calling for police accountability.
Following the standoff, his body was taken to his family home in Kokwayo Village, Kabondo Kasipul, where he was buried on July 4.
KRA Tax Return Deadline Extension
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was widely searched this week as Kenyans sought confirmation on the extension of the tax return filing deadline.
Following widespread technical issues on June 30 that left many unable to access the iTax portal, KRA initially extended the deadline by 24 hours to July 1. Later, the authority announced a further four-day extension, moving the deadline to July 5, 2025.
To ease the pressure on taxpayers, KRA also committed to waiving penalties and interest for any returns submitted within the new timeline, citing provisions under the Tax Procedures Act. Kenyans were urged to take advantage of the extension to avoid last-minute complications.
HELB Portal
HELB became one of the most searched terms this week after the board opened its 2025–2026 loan and scholarship application portal.
First-time undergraduate and TVET students were directed to apply through the HEF portal while continuing students could use the HELB App or dial *642#.
However, just a day after opening, HELB announced a 72-hour system maintenance period to enhance performance amid a surge in applications. The downtime affected both new and continuing applicants.
Despite the interruption, HELB assured students that the application deadline remains unchanged and encouraged early submissions once the portal is restored.
Ndiangui Kinyagia
Ndiangui Kinyagia, a blogger and activist, was also among the week’s most searched individuals after reports emerged of his disappearance on June 21.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a habeas corpus petition demanding his urgent production in court, prompting Justice Chacha Mwita to order the police and DCI to present him dead or alive by July 3.
On the day of the hearing, Kinyagia resurfaced, with his lawyer issuing a statement indicating that he had gone into hiding due to fear for his life.
The court barred his arrest and allowed him time to be with his family and seek medical attention, with a follow-up hearing set for later in July.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service denied involvement in his disappearance, stating that Kinyagia was never in their custody but remains a person of interest. They urged him to present himself at DCI headquarters and condemned what they described as a growing trend of staged abductions and misinformation aimed at misleading the public.
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