Explainer: Thinking of donating an organ? Here’s what the law says. [Photo, Getty Images] Kenya is slowly emerging as a hotspot for illegal organ trafficking, a documentary by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) has revealed. The exposé, released on Monday this week, alleges that organ trading has been happening at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret. Initially, the operations reportedly involved kidney recipients from Somalia and donors from Kenya. However, DW reported that the scope of the alleged racket widened in 2022, drawing recipients from Israel and, as of 2024, from Germany. The donors were also flown in from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and…
Author: By Esther Nyambura
A Sudanese refugee walks inside the market in the Touloum Sudanese refugee camp, in the Wadi Fira province, Chad, on April 11, 2025. [AFP] African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf has called for an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan. In a statement, Youssouf condemned ongoing attacks around El Fasher in North Darfur, as well as in the Zanuam and Abu Shouk camps. He called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, urging those besieging El Fasher to lift the blockade and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali…
Sifuna and Ruto face off at George Oduor’s burial. [File, Standard] Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken direct aim at President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to rein in government officials whose actions he says are stirring public outrage. Speaking during George Oduor’s burial, Sifuna criticised the handling of students in Nakuru, where learners were tear-gassed and blocked from performing a school play. “Bishop has told us here that your work is very difficult, and I agree with him; sometimes I wonder how you sleep. But there are times, President, as the Swahili say ‘mwiba wa kujitakia hauwambiwi pole’.…
Sifuna and Ruto face off at George Oduor’s burial. [File, Standard] Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken direct aim at President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to rein in government officials whose actions he says are stirring public outrage. Speaking during George Oduor’s burial, Sifuna criticised the handling of students in Nakuru, where learners were tear-gassed and blocked from performing a school play. “Bishop has told us here that your work is very difficult, and I agree with him; sometimes I wonder how you sleep. But there are times, President, as the Swahili say ‘mwiba wa kujitakia hauwambiwi pole’.…
Sifuna and Ruto face off at George Oduor’s burial. [File, Standard] Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken direct aim at President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to rein in government officials whose actions he says are stirring public outrage. Speaking during George Oduor’s burial, Sifuna criticised the handling of students in Nakuru, where learners were tear-gassed and blocked from performing a school play. “Bishop has told us here that your work is very difficult, and I agree with him; sometimes I wonder how you sleep. But there are times, President, as the Swahili say ‘mwiba wa kujitakia hauwambiwi pole’.…
Sifuna and Ruto face off at George Oduor’s burial. [File, Standard] Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken direct aim at President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to rein in government officials whose actions he says are stirring public outrage. Speaking during George Oduor’s burial, Sifuna criticised the handling of students in Nakuru, where learners were tear-gassed and blocked from performing a school play. “Bishop has told us here that your work is very difficult, and I agree with him; sometimes I wonder how you sleep. But there are times, President, as the Swahili say ‘mwiba wa kujitakia hauwambiwi pole’.…
Butere girls students joined by other students in protest in solidarity at Melvin Jones in Nakuru during the 63rd edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival on April 10,2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Back in high school, drama was one of the things I looked forward to the most. At first, it was just another form of entertainment — an exciting break from the classroom routines. But as I grew older and began to understand the world of theatre, I realized it was far more than that. Drama wasn’t just about acting or applause. It was a mirror held up…
Former KICC Board chair Irungu Nyakera now says he was fired for saying that he would not attend Mt Kenya political meetings last week, and for urging leaders to focus on development rather than politics during President William Ruto’s tour. Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, April 9, Nyakera claimed that he had informed officials he would be out of the country pursuing his master’s degree. However, in his absence, he urged leaders to prioritise development in the meetings. “The statement I made that I will not attend the Mt Kenya meetings, despite being away for 10 days pursuing my…
Rigathi Gachagua , Mary Wamaua Maragua MP during the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u, in Embu County. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard] In a stunning political move, Maragua Member of Parliament Mary Wamaua has dropped her support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, instead pledging her backing to President William Ruto. Wamaua, who had been a close ally of Gachagua, stood by him during crucial moments, including when he was rushed to the hospital during his impeachment process. She was also a constant presence by his side, accompanying him to meetings and offering her unwavering support throughout the impeachment ordeal. However,…
Margaret Nduta sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Vietnam. [Courtesy] Kenyan authorities are intensifying efforts to assist Margaret Nduta, a Kenyan woman facing execution in Vietnam for alleged drug trafficking. Nduta, who was arrested in July 2023 at Ho Chi Minh City Airport for smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine, is currently being held in Hoi Chi Minh Prison. In a post on X, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Koris Singoei stated that while deeply distressed, Nduta is coping and has been treated humanely. “Pleased to update that our team from Bangkok finally secured travel visas and made it to…
The First Lady’s wardrobe: Is Mama Rachel getting it wrong? [File, Standard] Rachel Ruto’s fashion sense has sparked conversations, not for redefining elegance in the traditional sense, but for its striking departure from what Kenyans have grown accustomed to seeing in a First Lady. While past First Ladies have often embraced tailored suits, shiny flowing gowns, and subtle yet sophisticated attire, Mama Rachel’s wardrobe leans heavily on vibrant vitenge designs. While her love for the colorful African prints pays homage to cultural heritage, it is a style choice that has, at times, left fashion critics divided. Rachel Ruto’s fashion sense…
Raila Odinga speaking during a church service at St Francis ACK Church in Karen, near Nairobi, on August 14, 2022. [File, AFP] As public discontent with President William Ruto’s administration grows, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended the Head of State, dismissing calls for his ouster. With their newfound alliance, Odinga criticised those pushing for Ruto’s removal, asking: “Mnasema Ruto aende, alafu nini ifanyike?” Meaning “Ruto must go, then what?” Odinga acknowledged that the country is grappling with numerous challenges, including the rising cost of living, urging leaders to prioritize addressing these issues instead of focusing on endless political campaigns. …