When impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua jetted out of the country on July 9 this year, there was a collective sigh of relief in President William Ruto’s camp. At least the lethal injections of invective political poison the former DP had been liberally dishing out would be subside. It appears they were wrong, just as they were when they had him impeached i the hopes that this would ultimately neuter him. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading…
Author: By Ndung’u Gachane
United opposition led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a press briefing in Nairobi on 31st July 2025. (Collins Oduor, Standard) Kenya’s Opposition is facing a major test of unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, amid reports that President William Ruto has devised a strategic plan to divide and weaken it in his bid to retain power. The government, through its allies, has reportedly initiated efforts to woo Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, promising him the position of Deputy President in 2027 should he cross over to Ruto’s camp. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed…
United opposition led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a press briefing in Nairobi on 31st July 2025. (Collins Oduor, Standard) Kenya’s Opposition is facing a major test of unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, amid reports that President William Ruto has devised a strategic plan to divide and weaken it in his bid to retain power. The government, through its allies, has reportedly initiated efforts to woo Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, promising him the position of Deputy President in 2027 should he cross over to Ruto’s camp. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed…
Deputy president Kithure Kindiki welcomed by a women group in Kanyangi, Kitui County on June 27, 2025 during a women empowerment drive. [Philip Muasya/Standard] In one of the greatest ironies of recent times, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is spearheading a controversial handouts programme where billions are being used in early campaigns, even as schools are forced to close early due to lack of funds. The handouts spree, guised as empowerment programmes, is steered by Prof Kindiki and chaperoned by government supporters led by President Ruto’s aide, Faruk Kibet. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe…
Deputy president Kithure Kindiki welcomed by a women group in Kanyangi, Kitui County on June 27, 2025 during a women empowerment drive. [Philip Muasya/Standard] In one of the greatest ironies of recent times, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is spearheading a controversial handouts programme where billions are being used in early campaigns, even as schools are forced to close early due to lack of funds. The handouts spree, guised as empowerment programmes, is steered by Prof Kindiki and chaperoned by government supporters led by President Ruto’s aide, Faruk Kibet. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0;…
Deputy president Kithure Kindiki welcomed by a women group in Kanyangi, Kitui County on June 27, 2025 during a women empowerment drive. [Philip Muasya/Standard] In one of the greatest ironies of recent times, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is spearheading a controversial handouts programme where billions are being used in early campaigns, even as schools are forced to close early due to lack of funds. The handouts spree, guised as empowerment programmes, is steered by Prof Kindiki and chaperoned by government supporters led by President Ruto’s aide, Faruk Kibet. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0;…
President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua with other leaders, at ACK Church of Christ the King Pro-Cathedral in Nyahururu, Nyandarua County, for the consecration and enthronement of Rev. Major Samson Mburu Gachathi on June 23,2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Amid high-octane politics, including one-term and two-term political sloganeering pitting President William Ruto against his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, youthful leaders across the political divide are coalescing to form a third force. While Ruto and Gachagua’s axis are competing based on ethnic mobilisation while presenting themselves as each other’s checkmate, the youthful group is presenting itself as a budgetary watchdog,…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-07-14 00:00:00 Author: By Ndung’u Gachane Source: The Standard
President William Ruto at the funeral service of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo North. March 1 2025 [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] President William Ruto has always been an apex politician. For such a leader, the allure of power is irresistible. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in President William Ruto at the funeral service of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo North. March 1…
President William Ruto at the funeral service of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo North. March 1 2025 [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] President William Ruto has always been an apex politician. For such a leader, the allure of power is irresistible. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in President William Ruto at the funeral service of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo North. March 1…
President William Ruto during a past National Executive Retreat. [Jonah Onyango,Standard] That President William Ruto is angry is evident. The Head of State appears increasingly frustrated by mounting public pressure to fulfill the promises he made during the campaign period — pledges many Kenyans now believe he has failed to deliver, and in some cases, has exaggerated the vices perpetuated by his predecessors. Ruto rose to power by accusing his former boss, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, of orchestrating violence against Kenyans and his critics, deploying police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive…
President William Ruto during the 3rd National Executive Retreat to review Government performance meeting held at KCB leadership centre on Thursday June 19. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] As the country slides into anarchy amid protests and police brutality, many Kenyans are left wondering who will steer the ship. The Head of State and Government, President William Ruto, appears to have failed to fill the nation’s father-figure role. Political analysts and commentators have called on President Ruto to provide leadership and adopt a conciliatory tone to heal a bleeding nation. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0;…
President William Ruto during the 3rd National Executive Retreat to review Government performance meeting held at KCB leadership centre on Thursday June 19. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] As the country slides into anarchy amid protests and police brutality, many Kenyans are left wondering who will steer the ship. The Head of State and Government, President William Ruto, appears to have failed to fill the nation’s father-figure role. Political analysts and commentators have called on President Ruto to provide leadership and adopt a conciliatory tone to heal a bleeding nation. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0;…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a political rally at Mulu Mutisya grounds in Machakos town on May 30, 2025. [John Muia, Standard] To Kenya Kwanza’s administration, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the bogeyman responsible for the government’s inefficiencies and the root cause of all the troubles facing President William Ruto’s government. Gachagua inherited this bogeyman title from ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has transitioned from being a ‘career’ government critic to a supporter. Before his handshake with President Ruto, the ODM party leader was, according to government apologists, an existential threat to the country’s peace and stability. Get…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and ex-Meru Senator Mithika Linturi during DCP campaigns in Meru County. [@rigathi, X] The battle for political control of Mt Kenya intensified this weekend as President William Ruto and his impeached Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, circled each other like wrestlers, each holding separate events in Meru. The two political rivals took veiled jabs at each other during their respective functions, each declaring their affection for Meru and justifying their investments in the region. Gachagua, who had been in Meru since Friday, criticized the President and his administration over their policies and leadership style, alleging he was…
President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (right) and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during an Interdenominational church service at Amutala Stadium in Kimilili, Bungoma County. [PCS] President William Ruto’s ruling party United Democratic Alliance (UDA), will receive the largest share of the political parties fund, amounting to KSh480 million, disbursed quarterly upon release by the National Treasury. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party is set to receive KSh21 million, even as his dual role as party leader and Speaker of the National Assembly continues to stir legal and political debate. Other Kenya Kwanza-affiliated parties benefiting from the fund…
President William Ruto addresses residents after the launch of the Sogoo-Melelo-Ololung’a Road on the second day of his tour of Narok County, May 7, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] President William Ruto has repeatedly reminded Kenyans that he is firmly in charge of his government. Two months ago, the Head of State reminded his critics that he was not a mad man and that his cognitive abilities were top-notch. 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 Newsletters Already a subscriber?…
President William Ruto addresses residents after the launch of the Sogoo-Melelo-Ololung’a Road on the second day of his tour of Narok County, May 7, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] President William Ruto has repeatedly reminded Kenyans that he is firmly in charge of his government. Two months ago, the Head of State reminded his critics that he was not a mad man and that his cognitive abilities were top-notch. 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 Newsletters Already a subscriber?…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the unveiling of his Democracy for the Citizens Party flanked by interim deputy party leader Cleophas Malala in Nairobi, on May 15, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s capacity to manufacture catchy slogans is marking him as the king of sloganeering in Kenya’s political landscape. A man with the gift of gab, the former second in command has become one of the most colourful politicians who has been using his oratory prowess to deliver viral slogans to hit against President William Ruto and his administration. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99…
President William Ruto and ODM Leader Raila Odinga during the signing of Peace and Partnership Agreement at KICC, Nairobi on March 7, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] The political alliance between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga is under strain following the deaths of Albert Ojwang’ and Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, raising tensions within the so-called broad-based government. Autopsy results revealed that Ojwang’ was strangled, while Were was fatally shot, prompting some ODM leaders to threaten to sever ties with the government unless the perpetrators are brought to justice. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today…
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressed locals in Sultan Hamud and Emali in Makueni county. [Photo, Standard] Kenya is caught in an endless electioneering cycle, with both opposition and ruling coalition politicians on the campaign trail, more than two years before the next election. In response to mounting criticism from opposition leaders, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto and his allies have launched political tours thinly veiled as economic empowerment initiatives. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium…
President William Ruto addresses residents after the launch of the Sogoo-Melelo-Ololung’a Road on the second day of his tour of Narok County, May 7, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] A time like this, four years ago, then-President Uhuru Kenyatta was pleading with his then deputy, William Ruto, to stop early campaigning and instead give the administration time to deliver to Kenyans. Now, Ruto finds himself in Uhuru’s shoes. At the time, Uhuru urged Ruto and his allies to halt premature political activities and focus on development, arguing that there is a time for everything—time for politics and time to implement government…
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during the Budget Highlights 2024/2025 by the National Treasury CS Njuguna Ndungu at Parliament on June 13, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Like his Biblical namesake, Moses Wetangula is charged with the responsibility of not only handing down the laws to Kenya’s lawmakers in Parliament, but also interpreting the laws. But he has increasingly found himself in the thick of burning bushes for interpreting laws in ways his critics and courts say is misleading After ignoring the High Court decision that declared Azimio La Umoja coalition as the Majority party in the National Assembly, Wetangula is…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki chats with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during the progressive and update meeting on the first cohort of 19 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs). [DPCS] 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 Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in Deputy President Kithure Kindiki chats with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire during the progressive and update meeting on the first cohort of 19 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs). [DPCS] Published Date: 2025-06-04 00:00:00 Author: By…
President William Ruto at Ngarachi Comprehensive School in Laikipia west during the beginning of his tour of the Mt. Kenya region on April 1 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Majority of Kenyans are facing harsh economic conditions, a new opinion survey indicates. The latest poll by the Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) has laid bare the suffering Kenyans are going through since President William Ruto took over power two and half years ago. The poll found that majority of Kenyans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. The poll, released yesterday, shows that 75 per cent of Kenyans who were…
Dr Tom Wolf, Research analyst at TIFA addresses the media during the release of Public opinion data on the 2022 Elections by TIFA at the Heron Portico hotel, Nairobi. May 18th, 2022 [File, Standard] A majority of Kenyans are facing harsh economic conditions, a new opinion survey has revealed. 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 Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in Dr Tom Wolf, Research analyst at TIFA addresses the media during the release of Public opinion data…
Ngaruiya Junior works out a crowd during last campaigns. [George Njunge/Standard] Kikuyu gospel artist Ngaruiya Junior has come out strongly against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of manipulation, political deceit, and promoting divisive tribal politics. The celebrated Kigooco singer, known for his energetic Kikuyu praise songs, said he left Gachagua’s political camp after realising that the Deputy President was more focused on self-enrichment than national unity or development. This follows Gachagua’s recent public dismissal of Ngaruiya as a “Class Two dropout”—a statement that appears to have triggered the gospel artist’s sharp rebuke. “I stood with Gachagua before, during,…
Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi during a requiem Mass at the AIC Church Milimani in Nairobi on February 27, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi’s apparent blind loyalty to President William Ruto exhibited on a number of occasions by rubber-stamping executive dictates in the Senate, has put him on the spot as critics accuse him of being biased. Critics are questioning Kingi’s latest move in which he swiftly ratified the ouster of embattled nominated senator Gloria Orwoba and declared a vacancy in her position. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save!…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a fundraiser at Marani, Kitutu Chache North in Kisii County. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] An unprecedented Competition is on in Mt Kenya to determine who is the king of the airwaves. Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has turned to artists from the restive Mt Kenya region to help him penetrate the soul of what so far has proved to be an immovable mountain in his bid to woo its people who have drifted away from the government. Hoping to benefit from the artist’s skills to compose emotional tunes that have earned them a strong support base…
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni (centre) addressing the media at the Party headquarters in Nairobi on February 5, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] A section of opposition leaders wants former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to shelve his presidential ambitions in 2027. They argue that President William Ruto may easily win re-election if Gachagua’s name is on the ballot. 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 Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in A section of opposition leaders wants former Deputy…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the unveiling of of his new party, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Nairobi on May 15th 2025. (Collins oduor, Standard) The unveiling of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has catapulted its founder, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua into high table of the political party leaders exclusive club and is likely cause realignment as well as ripples. Although Gachagua has been a harsh critic of President William Ruto’s administration, he only resigned from the ruling UDA party three days before unveiling the party, in a move that may see him increase his anti Ruto…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] After postponing the announcement of his political vehicle three times, Kenyans are now guardedly waiting to see whether or not former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will ultimately name his political party tomorrow. In preparation for the ceremony, Gachagua and his allies spent the better part of Tuesday evening in a closed-door meeting deliberating on who will hold which position in the party and how they shall keep their outfit intact devoid of infiltration by State operatives. Get Trusted News for…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] After postponing the announcement of his political vehicle three times, Kenyans are now guardedly waiting to see whether or not former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will ultimately name his political party tomorrow. In preparation for the ceremony, Gachagua and his allies spent the better part of Tuesday evening in a closed-door meeting deliberating on who will hold which position in the party and how they shall keep their outfit intact devoid of infiltration by State operatives. Get Trusted News for…
President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at State House in Mombasa county. [PCS] The working arrangement between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga is under strain due to emerging faultiness between the two camps. These divisions have sparked misunderstandings, complicating the relationship between the partners. Some government leaders accuse ODM counterparts of disrespecting the President, while a section of Mt Kenya leaders claim that remarks by leaders like Homa Bay Town MP George Kaluma amount to ethnic profiling. The working arrangement between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga is under strain due to…
Former Embakasi MP Mugabe Were and the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were are among high-profile politicians killed in a well executed and premeditated attack. [File, Standard] The shooting death of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were on Wednesday evening has brought back memories of lawmakers who were gunned down while in office and their cases were never resolved. Former Embakasi MP Mugabe Were and the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were are among high-profile politicians killed in a well executed and premeditated attack. [File, Standard] Published Date: 2025-05-02 08:00:00 Author: By Ndung’u Gachane Source: The Standard
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7,2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s much-touted political party, which he has postponed announcing three times, will now be announced on May 13, awaiting the unveiling on May 29. Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, who is set to assume the position of the Secretary to the Legal Affairs, said the name of the party will be made public as they continue preparing for a colorful unveiling of the party which he said may be conducted at a venue as big as Kasarani by…
President William Ruto Investitures Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri with badges of ranks during his swearing-in at State House, Nairobi County. [PCS] Individuals who run the country’s national security have been accused in the court of public opinion of abdicating their constitutional role. President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumbwa Murkomen, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Charles Kahariri and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have been accused of abdicating their duty of protecting lives following the BBC’s ‘Blood Parliament’ documentary and Monday’s Angara Barrikoi Narok County killings. Constitutional lawyers and Human Rights groups lay blame…
President William Ruto and other leaders during Easter Sunday service in Ntulele, Narok County. [PCS] When it was conceptualised, devolution was supposed to devolve resources from Nairobi to counties. However, 12 years after its introduction, the full implementation as envisaged in the constitution has been impeded by multiple hurdles and created many theaters of conflict and layered enmity. It is turning out that the central government, governors, Members of Parliament and ward representatives are some of the existential threats to devolution, according to a section of leaders and civil society organisations. The national government has been accused of undermining devolution…
So powerful are Farouk Kibet and Dennis Itumbi that former Deputy President Rigathi believes that they run State House. [File, Standard] In the hallowed corridors of the State House lurk the powerful but shadowy figures who wield immense power in President William Ruto’s administration. So powerful are President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet and Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua believes that they run State House. Gachagua’s stunning claims about the immense powers wielded by the duo during a TV interview validates what some of Ruto’s closest allies and Cabinet Secretaries…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when he attended a fundraiser at PCEA Mwiki in Kasarani on April 6, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of using the presidency to advance his private commercial and financial interests. In a revealing interview with KTN News on Monday evening, Gachagua also accused his former boss—whom he labelled the “high priest” of corruption and “chief procurement officer”—of coercing State officials into doing his bidding. Gachagua’s claims align with those of the former Public Service Cabinet Secretary, who last week sensationally accused the President of masterminding corrupt…
Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. [File, Standard] Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi today hastily handed over his docket to the Prime Cabinet Secretary even before the vetting and appointment of his successor, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruuku. His handing over came hours after President William Ruto’s stinging remarks about his incompetence when he served as the Attorney General. But even as he exited the cabinet, Muturi claimed that failure by the Defense Cabinet Secretary to de-gazette a notice that deployed the military to the streets, has left Kenya under military control. 0 On Monday night, Ruto…