A Tanzanian police officer stops a man accused by electoral officials of attempting to taint the voting process at a polling station in Stone Town on October 29, 2025, during Tanzania’s presidential elections. [AFP] Described as having lost “its innocence” by the Citizen News Gang, Tanzania is in a political meltdown. After days of internet shutdowns, blackouts and curfews, the truth is slowly beginning to shine through state’s efforts to censor or control information. With this, comes credible concerns about the conditions of Tanzanian protesters and Kenyans caught up in the violence. Concern this week shifted from the horrendous estimates…
Author: By Irungu Houghton
Aggrieved mourners at Nyayo National Stadium during the state funeral service of ODM leader Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium Nairobi on October 17th 2025.[Collins Oduor, Standard] Described by his old friend Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o as “the return of the lion to the mountain,” Raila Amolo Odinga’s death has left Kenya transfixed and in deep reflection. While most attention has focused on his political choices and legacy, his lifelong commitment to human rights deserves equal recognition. During the 1980s and 1990s, Raila Odinga joined a small, yet dedicated network of courageous activists committed to restoring multi-party democracy, constitutional reforms that…
Late lawyer Pheroze Nowrojee during the presidential petition at the supreme court,Nairobi on 2nd September 2022.[FILE,Standard] Nairobi South Ward MCA Waithera Chege’s reading of a motion this week to commemorate the life of late Pheroze Nowrojee (1941–2025) by naming a road after him was well received by community associations and residents in the city. This practice of memoralising people is well established and in the case of the late Senior Counsel offers another way of recognising more than three decades of public service to the Constitution and his country. According to Open Street Map, Nairobi County may have as many as 47,000 roads,…
With the resumption of continuous voter registration on September 29, seven by-elections set for November 27, the scramble for the next generation of honest leaders is on. As Kaggia hits the stage later next week, one wonders what Bildad Mwaganu Kaggia would make of the Kenya he loved and fought for. Written by veteran thespian and playwright John Sibi-Okumu and directed by Stuart Nash, “Kaggia” is set to run between October 11 to 19 at the Kenya National Theatre. Kaggia (1921–2005) was one of Kenya’s most prominent Kenyan freedom fighters and nationalist politicians. Little known by at least two generations, it was Kaggia…
Members of the panel of experts on compensation of victims of protests led by Prof Makau Mutua were sworn in at KICC on September 4,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] State House and Vigilance House appeared misaligned this week. A rise in civilian deaths in police custody and limited progress in the Baby Pendo case weeks after the Experts Panel on victim compensation was sworn in, raise serious doubts about the justice system’s commitment to public safety and accountability. Sworn in on September 4, the Presidential Panel of Experts was halted four days later by Levi Munyeri’s petition on September 8. Victims…
In another act of complete disregard for the international community, Israeli forces have escalated their assault on Gaza, killing at least 79 people this week, days before the UN General Assembly convenes in New York. A new Amnesty International report released yesterday reveals why some of the gravest crimes against humanity continues, despite global outrage. Next month marks 24 months of persistent hostilities against Palestinian state. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the hostilities began in October 2023. Alongside Sudan, Gaza is one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world today. For those still brave enough to watch,…
Gen Z protest aftermath destruction in Nairobi CBD on June 26, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Several victims’ families, human rights defenders, netizens and bots this week focused on holding the advisory Panel of Experts on compensation for victims of brutal protest policing legally accountable. Their call is clear. Reparations must be swift, transparent and anchored in our constitutional commission and independent offices. It also must not undermine criminal responsibility for state violence. A newly released report strengthens the case for urgent criminal justice reforms to prevent and respond to police related deaths and trauma. The International Justice Mission (IJM) Justice System Response…
The late former President Mwai Kibaki displays the new Kenyan constitution to the nation after he promulgated and signed it into law at a public function at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.[FILE/Standard] Wednesday’s celebration of one of the nation’s most important teenagers, the Constitution of Kenya 2010, was remarkable. 2024 saw one of the fiercest battles for constitutionalism yet. A renewed focus on the cancer of corruption in all public spaces accompanied this week’s celebrations. Looking past the current Parliament and Executive shouting match, it maybe the Gen Z spirit that offers us a new governance culture that is a match for our constitutional…
What is the value of a human life and how should victims of wrongful deaths caused by state officers be compensated? President Ruto’s announcement of an implementation panel to compensate victims of protest-related deaths dating back to 2017 opens a new chapter in Kenya’s transitional justice journey. It raises critical questions. Is financial compensation enough? Or should justice and accountability take precedence in addressing state violence and abuse? Kenya’s record on delivering rights of state victims to reparation is complex and disappointing. The most ambitious effort was the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). The commission was formed after the…
A water canon disperses protesters in the CBD during the protests on finance bill and the killing of Albert Ojwang on National budget day on 12th June 2025. [David Gichuru,Standard] This week, several people arrested during the June-July protests – including boda boda riders, fisherfolk, politicians, and security officers – were charged in Kenya’s counterterrorism Kahawa Law Courts. The Supreme Council of Muslims (Supkem) also released its report on how the criminal justice system responds to religious extremism. While these two events may seem unrelated, Supkem’s findings shed light on a worrying trend, the growing use of harsh legal measures to silence dissent.…
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja (left) and The current chairman of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Ahmed Issack Hassan briefing the press following Albert Omondi Ojwang’s death in police custody at Central Police station, Nairobi. June 9, 2025. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]. June 9, 2025. [Jonah Onyango/Standard] Hot on the heels of last week’s policy directive on the use of force and firearms, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) released its extensive report on the June and July public protests this week. This week, the National Council on the Administration of Justice and the Attorney General’s Forum held separate…
Post-Saba Saba Day, allegations of an attempted coup, calls for police to shoot or maim looters, and mass arrests have raised serious concerns about the government’s response to public dissent. How can the current tension be de-escalated? With 34 fatalities, over 500 civilian and police injuries, and economic losses possibly as much as Sh1.8 billion ($14 million), the Saba Saba demonstrations have been the deadliest this year. This time, it is Bridget Njoki (12) shot watching TV at home that shook the nation most. However, the nation grieves not just for one child, but a generation caught in the crossfire.…
A Boda Boda rider holding a matchbox ready to touch a suspected goon during Justice For Albert Ojwang Protests on June 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] Tuesday’s street anarchy in Nairobi had me scrambling for dusty copies of the Commission on Inquiry, Ransley and Kriegler reports on 2007/2008 Post Election Violence. /* 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 auto; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,…
National Treasury CS John Mbadi(3rd left) is received by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed as Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Samuel Atandi(right) and other leaders looks on at Parliament on June 12, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] As East Africa’s Finance Ministers unveiled their budgets this week, the region’s top philanthropic funders met in Kigali amid growing uncertainty in global development financing. For all that gathered, it was clear that without bold and innovative action, development financing faces an uncertain future. Except in Kenya, where protests over the savage police killing of Albert Ojwang’ shifted focus from the budget, East African Finance…
World Press Freedom Day and the Media Council Annual Summit this week highlighted the resilience of Kenya’s fourth estate. The publication of a new media code of conduct is timely, given the regular criticism and current challenges the industry faces. The annual summit provides journalists, the government, media agencies and allies with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the media. This year, it is interesting to note that social media (24 per cent) is catching up with television (26 per cent) and radio (23 per cent) as the most consumed news medium. One in three Kenyans watch TV…
The world marks the United Nations International Day of Families next Thursday May 15. How can we ensure we all stay focused on what ails the Kenyan family and not be hijacked by narrow agendas financed by foreigners? As the cradle of humanity, Kenya has had several millions of years of indigenous family values and family-making experience. The arrival of Zanzibari Arabs in the 18th century brought the Islamic faith and new family values along the coast. The second foreign influence imposed Christian values and an Anglo-centric definition of “The Family”. With the British missionaries and colonialism, came hut taxes…
KDF officers leave Nyayo National Stadium aboard their vehicles heading into the Nairobi CBD for Gen Z protests on June 27, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] The release of BBC “Blood Parliament” documentary and the Amnesty International 2024-2025 Kenya report whipped up a political storm this week. Accusations of bad faith completely miss the point. Victim-centred thinking knows, only justice, not amnesia, heals national wounds. Wairimu Muthoni knew this when she took on Super Metro SACCO for her assault in 2018. Initially seeking criminal prosecution by her government, she shifted to a civil public interest suit when state agencies disappointed her.…
While some attempted to downplay the danger of using state security agencies to muzzle the Butere Girls High School play recently, most recognised the threat it posed to our academic and artistic freedoms. This issue continues to play out dramatically in the United States, a country with a long history of academic freedom, in ways we can admire and emulate. In just over 90 days, the US administration has revoked over 1,700 student visas and pulled or threatened to pull federal funding for several universities and other tertiary institutions. The crackdown has targeted international students from at least 260 universities…
Sudan Conflict Refugees, near the town of Tawila in war-torn Sudan’s western Darfur region on April 13, 2025. [AFP] On Wednesday, one of the world’s worst conflicts entered its third year with no end in sight. At the Sudan London conference this week, the Kenyan government struggled to refute accusations of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and pursuing economic interests in Sudan. Sudan has become a casualty of global leaders’ focus on Ukraine and Palestine. The international community has largely ignored the crisis, enabling one of the world’s biggest humanitarian disasters. 150,000 people have been killed, more than double…
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] History judges harshly those who try to crush freedom of expression in children. The scenes from Butere Girls High School this week were appalling. The poet in Pheroze Nowrojee, who died recently, would have been incensed. I also suspect he would have been deeply proud of the girls’ principled stand. “Echoes of war” was a little-known play before the Butere High School Principal was instructed to…