Tourism CS Rebecca Miano before the National Assembly’s Tourism and Wildlife to consider the 2025 Budget Policy statement at Continental House, Parliament, Nairobi. February 25th,2025. [Elvis Ogina/ Standard] The National Assembly and Senate’s oversight roles have now been put into question following a series of events that have lifted the lid on what critics term as an unholy alliance with the executive. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)); } .paywall-container { position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 0…
Author: By Josphat Thiong’o
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-07-23 09:22:00 Author: By Josphat Thiong’o Source: The Standard
President William Ruto during the first anniversary of the E-Citizen Directorate, at KICC, Nairobi. [File, Standard] Parliament has summoned Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo over irregularities with the E-Citizen platform after it emerged that money collected through the platform does not reach the Treasury accounts at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday trained its guns on the PS even as it faulted the National Treasury for not implementing recommendations of the watchdog committee based on issues raised by the Auditor General. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left:…
ODM leader Raila Odinga during an interview at his Karen residence in Nairobi. [File, Standard] A union between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, the specter of former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s influence and recent political intrigues have fueled doubts on whether Raila will be on the ballot come the 2027 general elections. Raila, who just early last year was President Ruto’s political nemesis, has turned into a fierce defender of the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging the public and the opposition to allow Ruto serve out his full term to ensure service delivery. Uncover the stories others won’t…
When Embakasi East MP Babu Owino jumped over the fence of County Hall during the Gen Z protests in Nairobi on June 25,2024 [File, Standard] A year since the June 2024 anti-government protests, there has been no meaningful change to address the plight of youth, observes Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Abductions, unemployment and police brutality overseen by a tone-deaf administration, he says, are still the order of the day and there is need for the government to change tact lest the country slides into a lawless state. In an interview with Spice FM, the lawmaker recounted the events of…
When Embakasi East MP Babu Owino jumped over the fence of County Hall during the Gen Z protests in Nairobi on June 25,2024 [File, Standard] A year since the June 2024 anti-government protests, there has been no meaningful change to address the plight of youth, observes Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Abductions, unemployment and police brutality overseen by a tone-deaf administration, he says, are still the order of the day and there is need for the government to change tact lest the country slides into a lawless state. In an interview with Spice FM, the lawmaker recounted the events of…
TMotorists stranded on Moi South Lake road in Naivasha. [File, Standard] A new regulation proposing to subject the majority of the country’s 2.1 million vehicles older than four years to annual inspections has sparked public outrage, with many Kenyans protesting what they see as an unfair financial burden introduced by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. According to newly proposed traffic regulations gazetted earlier this week, motorists whose vehicles are older than four years will be required to take them for mandatory annual inspections. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited…
Opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka address locals in Sultan Hamud and Emali in Makueni county. [@rigathi, X] Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka may be preparing to reconsider his political stand, a move that could undermine the opposition’s bid to relegate President William Ruto’s rule to a single term. In the wake of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s whirlwind tour of the Ukambani region, claims of Kalonzo and Kindiki’s growing political dalliance have emerged with some observers pointing to sustained efforts by Kenya Kwanza to woo the lower Eastern region leader into its fold. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a…
Albert Ojwang. [Courtesy] An innocent post on the ‘X’ platform for Albert Ojwang opened the floodgates to a series of events that culminated with his corpse lying cold at Mbagathi Hospital. Interviews conducted with the family, submissions by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) in Parliament have also revealed that for the teacher, father of one and social media influencer, his demise -catalyzed by rogue state operatives- came painfully. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%;…
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja,DCI Director Mohamed Amin,DIG Gilbert Masengeli and other top police officers before the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committe chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo and Dido Raso in regard to the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’ in police custody at Mini Chambers, County Hall, Parliament Nairobi. June 12th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) will summon Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat for interrogation over the murder of teacher Albert Ojwang, even as the country learnt that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has not yet started investigating the murder. This happened on…
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja,DCI Director Mohamed Amin,DIG Gilbert Masengeli and other top police officers before the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committe chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo and Dido Raso in regard to the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’ in police custody at Mini Chambers, County Hall, Parliament Nairobi. June 12th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) will summon Deputy Inspector General Eliud Langat for interrogation over the murder of teacher Albert Ojwang even as the country learnt that the Directorate of Criminal investigations has not yet started investigating the murder. This, happened on…
Speaker of National Assembly Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale at a past event in Navakholo. [File, Standard] Leaders from the Western region of the country have now threatened to walk out of the broad-based government arrangement should President William Ruto not heed their incessant calls to implement development projects in the region. The Standard has established that a caucus of Western leaders met with President Ruto on Thursday at State House, where they, among other things, protested the region’s “snub” in the 2025/2026 financial year budget. Notably, the National Assembly is currently ‘fine-tuning’ the budget estimates for the next financial…
Committee on Appointments member Tharaka MP George Gitonga Murugara at the Mini Chambers, County Hall, Nairobi. January 14th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The fate of seven hopefuls nominated for the Chairperson and Commissioners at IEBC is now back with the Courts after the National Assembly on Wednesday voted to approve their nomination. .fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-80px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.paywall-container{position:relative;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:25px;border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.1);background-color:#fff}.paywall-container h2{text-align:center}.paywall-container a{text-decoration:none!important}.paywall-header{font-size:24px;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:15px;color:#333;text-align:center}.price-highlight{font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#d40511;margin:15px 0;text-align:center}.price-highlight .original-price{text-decoration:line-through;color:#777;margin-right:0}.divider{border-top:1px solid #e0e0e0;margin:20px 0}.subscribe-button{display:block;width:100%;padding:12px;background-color:#d40511;color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:4px;font-size:25px;font-weight:bold;cursor:pointer;margin-bottom:20px;transition:background-color .3s;text-decoration:none}.subscribe-button:hover{background-color:#b0030e;text-decoration:none}.features-list{margin:20px 0;padding-left:20px;list-style:none}.features-list li{margin-bottom:10px;list-style-type:none;position:relative;padding-left:25px;list-style-type:none!important}.features-list li:before{content:”✓”;color:#d40511;position:absolute;left:0;font-weight:bold}.existing-subscriber{text-align:center;color:#555;font-size:14px}.existing-subscriber a{color:#d40511;text-decoration:none}.existing-subscriber a:hover{text-decoration:underline} Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
Committee on Appointments member Tharaka MP George Gitonga Murugara at the Mini Chambers, County Hall, Nairobi. January 14th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The fate of seven hopefuls nominated for the Chairperson and Commissioners at IEBC is now back with the Courts after the National Assembly on Wednesdy voted to approve their nomination. .fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-80px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.paywall-container{position:relative;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:25px;border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.1);background-color:#fff}.paywall-container h2{text-align:center}.paywall-container a{text-decoration:none!important}.paywall-header{font-size:24px;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:15px;color:#333;text-align:center}.price-highlight{font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#d40511;margin:15px 0;text-align:center}.price-highlight .original-price{text-decoration:line-through;color:#777;margin-right:0}.divider{border-top:1px solid #e0e0e0;margin:20px 0}.subscribe-button{display:block;width:100%;padding:12px;background-color:#d40511;color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:4px;font-size:25px;font-weight:bold;cursor:pointer;margin-bottom:20px;transition:background-color .3s;text-decoration:none}.subscribe-button:hover{background-color:#b0030e;text-decoration:none}.features-list{margin:20px 0;padding-left:20px;list-style:none}.features-list li{margin-bottom:10px;list-style-type:none;position:relative;padding-left:25px;list-style-type:none!important}.features-list li:before{content:”✓”;color:#d40511;position:absolute;left:0;font-weight:bold}.existing-subscriber{text-align:center;color:#555;font-size:14px}.existing-subscriber a{color:#d40511;text-decoration:none}.existing-subscriber a:hover{text-decoration:underline} Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7,2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard] The fate of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hangs in the balance following the milestone decision by the Court of Appeal on Friday, as a number of opposition politicians interpreted his continued stay in office as illegitimate. The court ruling invalidating the constitution of the court that validated the impeachment process of former DP Rigathi Gachagua has energized government critics who now believe that Prof Kindiki is not supposed to be in office Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week…
Proceeding at the National Assembly. [File, Standard] There was a collective sigh of relief in the chambers on Wednesday when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced that MPs would be proceeding on recess. The legislators were understandably delighted by the reality of retreating to their constituencies on recess for the second time this year. Equally tantalizing besides resting for two weeks was the opportunity the recess presents-raking in billions in mileage allowances for breaking away from their workstations. This is the greatest irony. That the 349, some of Kenya’s most highly paid public servants with an average pay of Sh1,105,611…
Proceeding at the National Assembly. [File, Standard] There was a collective sigh of relief in the chambers on Wednesday when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula announced that MPs would be proceeding on recess. The legislators were understandably delighted by the reality of retreating to their constituencies on recess for the second time this year. Equally tantalizing besides resting for two weeks was the opportunity the recess presents-raking in billions in mileage allowances for breaking away from their workstations. This is the greatest irony. That the 349, some of Kenya’s most highly paid public servants with an average pay of Sh1,105,611…
A section of legislators during the State of the Nation Address at the Parliament buildings, Nairobi. November 9,2023 [File,Standard] The 13th Parliament has been accused of engaging in rent-seeking behaviour and abdicating its oversight role, all the while gobbling up millions in allowances. And whereas the recently concluded reconstitution of 18 key committees at the National Assembly – that saw ODM clinch a majority of the leadership positions- exposed a clamour for legislators to sit in influential House teams, the aftermath has been reports that have largely failed to impress the public. The House has in the recent past struggled…
Technical University staffs demonstrate over their unpaid dues by the University outside Parliament buildings,Nairobi. February 13th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Staff at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), currently undergoing a forensic audit, face possible job losses as the Ministry of Education moves to revive the struggling institution. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba told the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education that Sh145 million had been allocated this year to pay staff salaries, but further interventions, including staff downsizing, were underway. “As part of our recovery strategy, we shall implement cost-cutting measures, including staff rightsizing, restructuring, and revenue enhancement,” Ogamba…
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of the Kenyan youth, further urging them to seize the various opportunities being unlocked under the government’s empowerment agenda. The PS has also urged the youth to act boldly and responsibly to take charge of their future by leveraging on the resources provided by the Kenya Kwanza administration. “These aren’t just policy statements on paper. They are real, practical springboards of opportunity. It is now up to you to recognise that, step forward and act,” Omollo said. The PS highlighted the government’s plan and commitment to…
National Assembly’s Committee on Health Chair James Nyikal addresses the media regarding the malpractice and breach of professional ethics in kidney transplant services at th Mediheal hospital in Eldoret. The committee has taken up the matter to look into the alleged issues within 80 days . April 22nd,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The National Assembly Health Committee has started an 80-day public inquiry into the operations at Mediheal Hospital’s Eldoret branch following allegations of unlawful organ trafficking at the institution. This comes on a day when the management of Mediheal Hospital denied any wrongdoing, terming the recent expose by Deutsche Welle…
Technical University of Kenya staff demonstrate over unpaid dues outside Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, on February 13, 2025. [File, Standard] The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) is under renewed scrutiny from Parliament due to longstanding financial difficulties that have paralysed operations and disrupted learning. The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education has directed the Office of the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive audit of the university’s finances. The exercise, set to span three months, will cover the period from 2013—when the institution received its charter—to date. The committee’s intervention follows revelations that the university has not paid…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during parliament proceedings. [File, Standard] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections. Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA. Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned”…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the Mwai Kibaki 2nd Memorial Lecture & Luncheon at Nairobi Serena Hotel on 11th April 2025. [David Gichuru,Standard] President William Ruto should borrow a leaf from Kenya’s third President, Mwai Kibaki, to create a lasting legacy of his tenure instead of clawing back on some the gains the country has made. This was the recurring theme of a series of talks rendered by some of President Ruto’s most vocal critics, led by his impeached deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua and former Attorney General, Justin Muturi, during a memorial in honour of Mwai Kibaki. On Friday, leaders who gathered at…
Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia before the National Assembly’s Committee on Education at the Bunge Towers, Nairobi. March 4, 2024 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The education sector could be headed towards a catastrophe following revelations by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) that it was faced by a biting shortage of 98,281 teachers. The commission’s Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia yesterday also revealed that qualified and trained teachers were inadequate, given the insufficient budgetary allocations for the same. Appearing before the National Assembly Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, Macharia told MPs that the lack of funds to hire teachers had led…