This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
Google Search trends for August revealed a mix of sports, entertainment, and local news. The English Premier League (EPL) topped the list, with Liverpool vs Arsenal and Manchester United vs Chelsea being the most searched matches.
However, the recent government directive revoking various betting licenses led to a surge in online searches for betting sites that survived the crackdown, including Bet 254, 22 Bet, Shabiki Power 17, and Odi Bet.
Popular Kikuyu Benga musician John Ng'ang'a De'Mathew was the third most searched query following his death on August 18 in a road accident on Thika Superhighway.
Wendy Waeni, the 11-year-old gymnast who accused her former manager Joe Mwangi of denying her proceeds from her performances since 2014, came fourth in the search trends.
Brazilian defender David Luiz was the fifth searched item after completing his £8million deal signing from Chelsea to Arsenal.
Other notable search queries included billionaire Humphrey Kariuki Ndegwa, who was accused of Ksh14.5 billion tax evasion, and Kenyan gospel musician Jimmy Gait, who revealed he had been misdiagnosed by Kenyan doctors.
Popular American musical fantasy film The Wizard of Oz celebrated 80 years, and Joe Mwangi, Wendy Waeni's former manager, was arrested and arraigned in court in connection with forgery and issuing threats to Wendy's mother.
Top August General Searches:
- EPL – English Premier League
- Betting
- John DeMatthew
- Wendy Waeni
- David Luiz
- Humphrey Kariuki
- Amazon Fires
- Jimmy Gait
- Wizard of Oz
- Joe Mwangi
Top 'How to' Searches:
- How to pay Tala loan
- How to check Fuliza limit
- How to pay NHIF via Mpesa
- How to track a lost phone
- How to hack wifi
- How to make money online
- How to make pancakes
- How to cook spaghetti
- How to play chess
- How to know he loves you
