National Oil petrol station along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi on November 7, 2023. [File, Standard] A high-stakes deal between the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) and Rubis Energy Kenya has triggered a storm in Parliament, with lawmakers warning that the transaction could quietly hand over critical State assets to private interests—leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. At the centre of the controversy is a Sh3 billion agreement signed early this year. Pokot South MP David Pkosing said that on paper, it looks like a lifeline where Rubis would provide desperately needed capital to the State-run oil marketer—half for…
Author: By Benjamin Imende
Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi demonstrating outside ACK Church of Christ the King Pro-Cathedral in Nyahururu on June23,2024. [File, Standard] Details have now emerged that activist Mwabili Mwagodi could have been trailed by Kenyan security agents, leading to his abduction. Further disturbing is the revelation that Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers visited Mwagodi’s parents and asked them to caution their son to keep off the Gen Z protests. /* 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 {…
President William Ruto at KICC, Nairobi during the signing of IEBC Amendment Bill, 2024. [PCS] What began as an alliance to dismantle Kenya’s entrenched political dynasties is now threatening to implode under the weight of unfulfilled promises, internal rivalries, and mounting public frustration. President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition is fracturing, torn apart by bitter infighting, unchecked political ambition, and disillusionment among its supporters. 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…
Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi demonstrating outside ACK Church of Christ the King Pro-Cathedral in Nyahururu, Nyandarua County during the consecration and enthronement of Rev Major Samson Mburu Gachath on June23,2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] In another abduction pointing to possible involvement by the government, Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi — a staunch critic of President William Ruto — was abducted on Wednesday in Tanzania. Witnesses at the nearby butchery said they were ordered by Tanzanian authorities not to release footage of the abduction, a clear indication that the government might have been involved. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top:…
Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi demonstrating outside ACK Church of Christ the King Pro-Cathedral in Nyahururu, Nyandarua County during the consecration and enthronement of Rev. Major Samson Mburu Gachath on June23,2024. President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua among other leaders attended. [Kipsang Joseph/Standard] In another abduction pointing to possible involvement by the government, Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi — a staunch critic of President William Ruto — was abducted on Wednesday in Tanzania. Witnesses at the nearby butchery said they were ordered by Tanzanian authorities not to release footage of the abduction, a clear indication that the government might have…
Police disperse Protesters during GenZs 1st Anniverssary following abductions, shootings of their befallen colleagues last year. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] A deepening crisis of abductions and enforced disappearances, and violent arrests is shaking the justice system and tarnishing its global reputation, as families, lawyers, and rights groups accuse the country’s top investigative agency of complicity, defiance of court orders, and flagrant abuse of power. /* 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…
Police disperse Protesters during GenZs 1st Anniverssary following abductions, shootings of their befallen colleagues last year. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] A deepening crisis of abductions and enforced disappearances, and violent arrests is shaking the justice system and tarnishing its global reputation, as families, lawyers, and rights groups accuse the country’s top investigative agency of complicity, defiance of court orders, and flagrant abuse of power. /* 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…
CS Kipchumba Murkomen at the launch of flagship report and Action plan by the Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs during the fourth high-level consultation meeting in Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]] As anger boils over, amid relentless nationwide protests, surging living costs, extrajudicial killings, and deepening fears of unchecked corruption, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has become a lightning rod for public fury. /* 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…
James Mbugua during anti-government protest along the Nakuru’s Kenyatta avenue on July 16, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] It started with a tax — and ended with a funeral. When President William Ruto forced the 2024/2025 Finance Bill through Parliament despite growing public opposition, he did more than raise taxes — he ignited Kenya’s most intense youth-led protests in decades. 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 It started with a tax — and…
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja briefing the press following Albert Omondi Ojwang’s death in police custody at Central Police station, Nairobi. June 9, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] As 23 people had recorded statements with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) by last Friday, the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, husband, and outspoken blogger, has erupted into a national scandal. The investigations are uncovering a troubling web of alleged police brutality, political interference, and institutional cover-ups. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to…
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja briefing the press following Albert Omondi Ojwang’s death in police custody at Central Police station, Nairobi. June 9, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] As 23 people had recorded statements with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) by last Friday, the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, husband, and outspoken blogger, has erupted into a national scandal. The investigations are uncovering a troubling web of alleged police brutality, political interference, and institutional cover-ups. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to…
DIG Eliud Lagat during a press briefing following Albert Omondi Ojwang’s death in police custody at Central Police station, Nairobi. June 9, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat remains firmly in office, unmoved by a wave of public fury, street protests, and court petitions demanding his resignation and prosecution over the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’. Almost a week since he vanished from the public eye, Lagat has not been questioned by any authority, nor has he stepped aside—despite being at the heart of a case that has rattled the police leadership.…
President Ruto with Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo at State house January 3 ,2024.[PSC] Kenya’s reputation as a regional peace broker is under intense scrutiny following a series of UN reports, Sudanese government statements, eyewitness accounts, and expert analyses implicating the country in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. A confidential UN report presented to the Security Council on January 15, 2024, and a separate report released in March by the Sudanese government, paint a troubling picture: Kenyan airspace and airports are being used as stopovers for cargo flights originating in Abu Dhabi, destined for Rapid Support…
President William Ruto installs the public seal of the Republic of Kenya for the conferment of City status to Eldoret Municipality at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. [PCS] As Kenyans grappled with the fallout from last year’s Gen Z protests, President William Ruto quietly moved to actualise his dream of empowering the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service (HOPS)—an office experts say lacks explicit recognition in the Constitution. During the same period, when abductions, torture, and enforced disappearances dominated headlines and dozens of people were missing, Ruto’s administration secretly transferred the Public…
President William Ruto installs the public seal of the Republic of Kenya for the conferment of City status to Eldoret Municipality at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. [PCS] A law signed by President William Ruto mid last year quietly moved the Public Seal from the Attorney General’s office to the president’s Chief of Staff thereby going against national values of governance espoused by the current constitution. Article 2 (a) of the constitution states that governance shall adhere to the value of sharing and devolution of power among other fundamental principles. .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…
President William Ruto during the Groundbreaking for the construction of Narok International Airport project in Narok North Constituency on May 6, 2025, as part of his tour of Narok County. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The country is teetering on the edge of a justice system transformed—from a shield for the people into a sword for those in power, legal experts, human rights defenders and political analysts have warned. They warn that justice is increasingly becoming a matter of political loyalty. Speak out against the administration, and long-forgotten legal cases resurface with startling speed, with verdicts delivered in record time. Get Trusted…
President William Ruto during the Groundbreaking for the construction of Narok International Airport project in Narok North Constituency on May 6, 2025, as part of his tour of Narok County. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The country is teetering on the edge of a justice system transformed—from a shield for the people into a sword for those in power, legal experts, human rights defenders and political analysts have warned. They warn that justice is increasingly becoming a matter of political loyalty. Speak out against the administration, and long-forgotten legal cases resurface with startling speed, with verdicts delivered in record time. .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…
Police rough up a protester in Kisumu. [File, Standard] Fifteen years ago, Kenya unveiled a new Constitution hailed across the continent as a democratic milestone — a blueprint for healing a country scarred by political violence, inequality, and repression. But that promise, the United Nations now warns, is quickly disintegrating, leaving Kenyans at the mercy of State brutality. .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…
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli at Solidarity Building, Nairobi on April 26, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] For a man who built his name on the back of Kenya’s working class, Francis Atwoli appears more comfortable seated next to power than protesting outside its gates to defend workers’ rights. At 75, the long-serving Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) is less the firebrand labor crusader he once claimed to be and more a seasoned political operator—adept at aligning with presidents, building alliances, and religiously defending policies that hurt the very people he is paid to protect. At a…
President William Ruto is welcomed by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. With them is China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan. PHOTO REBECA NDUKU/PCS. 24/4/2025 Kenya’s diplomatic footing continued to slide this week after President William Ruto’s remarks in China sparked a backlash at home deepening concerns about the country’s entanglement in global rivalries and its inconsistent foreign policy stance. Speaking Wednesday at a forum in Beijing, Ruto appeared to downplay the economic standing of neighboring Uganda and Tanzania, describing them as “least developed countries” (LDCs) in contrast to Kenya’s middle-income status. The comments—meant…
Office of the governor of Nairobi at City Hall. [File, Standard] For nearly six years, the Nairobi City County officials sent hundreds of millions of shillings to shadowy businesspeople for supplies that never arrived. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says at least Sh407 million vanished through fraudulent payments involving 14 businesses. High Court filings reveal the elaborate scheme of unqualified vendors, forged documents, non-existent deliveries, and greedy county officials. .fade-out-container{position:relative;background:none;top:-95px;padding:4rem 0 2rem;text-align:center}.fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-40px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.subscribe-content{position:relative;z-index:2;padding:20px;background:#fff;top:-55px}.subscribe-content h1{font-size:2rem;margin:2rem 0;font-weight:bold;color:#ed1a3b}.subscribe-content h2{margin-bottom:2rem}.subscribe-content button{background-color:#ed1a3b;color:#fff;font-size:1.25rem;padding:.75rem 2rem;border:none;border-radius:0;cursor:pointer;margin-top:1rem;min-width:200px}.subscribe-content p{margin-top:1.5rem;font-size:.95rem}.subscribe-content a{color:#ed1a3b;text-decoration:underline} For nearly six years, the Nairobi City County officials sent hundreds of millions of shillings to shadowy businesspeople for…