Boiling water in a sufuria. [GettyImages] Ishmael Oundo, 26, still struggles to sleep through the night. Even when exhaustion finally overpowers the pain, he startles awake at the slightest sound, his body tensing instinctively, as if bracing for another attack. Sleep, once a refuge after long days of hustling as a matatu driver, has become an uneasy truce between memory and fear. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading 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 `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML…
Author: By Mary Imenza
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.[File, Standard] Members of Parliament allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have told party leader Raila Odinga that the party should not settle for anything less than the deputy presidency as it repositions itself ahead of the next General Election. Speaking during a delegates’ meeting in the Western region on Sunday, Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali said the central management committee must stop negotiating from a position of weakness and draw a clear red line in future coalition talks. “As MPs, we ask you that when you go to the discussion table, you should not go…
Treasury CS John Mbadi before the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, at Glee Hotel, Kiambu Road, on January 13, 2026. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s management of Kenya’s public debt, saying timely decisions helped the country avoid a potentially devastating sovereign default. Speaking on Saturday in Kakamega, Mbadi said the government benefited from unexpected market conditions that allowed it to refinance maturing Eurobond obligations at a critical moment when the country was under severe debt pressure. According to the Treasury boss, Kenya was saved by a rare opening in international financial…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2026-01-19 00:00:00 Author: By Mary Imenza Source: The Standard
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and other party officials at Kakamega ODM county delegates meeting in Kakamega town, on January 18, 2026. [Benard Lusigi, Standard]. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has defended veteran ODM leader Dr Oburu Odinga against criticism over his age, saying leadership should be judged on experience and ideas rather than years. Speaking at Mabole Grounds in Kakamega County during a tense ODM delegates’ meeting, Junet dismissed claims by the media who have questioned Dr Odinga’s continued leadership, terming the attacks disrespectful and misguided. “Who will not get old?” Junet posed. “I have seen people fighting Dr…
CS Wycliffe Oparanya speaks after meeting with New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) members in Eldoret on May 18, 2025. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs from the Western region have backed the party’s Central Management Committee decision to initiate talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting that the region must be represented in the negotiations through Cooperatives and SMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized…
From left: DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka during the burial of former Likuyani MP Enock Kibunguchy, on January 3, 2026. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has urged DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to set aside their differences and unite their parties for the sake of the Western region’s political future. Speaking during the burial of former Likuyani MP Enoch Kibunguchy at Seregeya Primary School in Likuyani on Saturday, Oparanya said the two leaders hold the key to the region’s political…
ODM Secretary-General said the remarks were made by a few ODM figures who had forgotten the former president’s contribution to Raila’s political journey. [File] Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has publicly apologised to former President Uhuru Kenyatta over insults recently directed at him by some party leaders, acknowledging Uhuru’s critical role in supporting the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Speaking on Tuesday during the funeral of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, attended by Uhuru among other high-profile leaders, Sifuna said the remarks were made by a few ODM figures who had forgotten the former…
Leaders attending the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo at his Lumakanda home, on December 30, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard] Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has claimed that some leaders are threatening former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri over his demands for a probe into the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. Speaking at Lumakanda Grounds during Jirongo’s funeral service on Monday, Osotsi said the threats are meant to intimidate Khaniri from pursuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s fatal crash on the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway on December 13, 2025. “Khaniri has been under pressure and has been receiving threats simply…
Western leaders led by former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia and others briefing the media at Lee Funeral home after death of former MP Cyrus Jirongo on December 13, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Leaders across the political divide have paid tribute to former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, describing him as a trailblazer, a fearless politician and a generous friend. Jirongo died in a road accident on Saturday morning, at around 3 am, on the Nairobi- Nakuru Highway. The 64-year-old met his tragic end when his car collided with a public service bus, according to reports.…
Former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo. [File,Standard] Former Cabinet minister and ex-Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo was a man whose name became synonymous with power, wealth and controversy in Kenya’s political landscape. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, meteoric rise and fiery political stances, Jirongo’s life came to a tragic end early Saturday, October 13, when he died in a road accident along the Nairobi to Nakuru highway at Karai area in Naivasha. .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;…
Former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo. [File,Standard] Former Cabinet minister and ex-Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo was a man whose name became synonymous with power, wealth and controversy in Kenya’s political landscape. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, meteoric rise and fiery political stances, Jirongo’s life came to a tragic end early Saturday, October 13, when he died in a road accident along the Nairobi to Nakuru highway at Karai area in Naivasha. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-11-30 00:16:00 Author: By Mary Imenza Source: The Standard
Martha Karua at a burial in Kakamega County. [Mary Imenza, Standard] Martha Karua now says the Opposition will retreat, analyse the events surrounding the by-election, and decide on the next course of action, accusing the government of weaponising poverty to buy political loyalty. Karua, who spoke in Matende village, South Kabras, during the burial of her close friend Emmy Nawanjala Siganga, said this week’s poll exposed worrying levels of voter manipulation and economic desperation in the constituency. “We shall sit as the Opposition to analyse what happened and decide the way forward,” she said, adding that the election was marred…
Ikolomani residents resist plans to vacate their ancestral lands, protest against Shanta Gold Company from carrying out gold exploration. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] The government has assured residents of the Isulu and Bushangala areas in Kakamega County that they will benefit significantly from the newly discovered gold deposits, valued at Sh683 billion. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated on Monday that the Kenya Kwanza administration will ensure that households likely to be affected by the planned large-scale mining activities are adequately compensated before any relocation occurs. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to…
A police officer witness destruction of bhang. [Courtesy] Police in Busia County, working with the Judiciary, have destroyed a consignment of bhang and heroin valued at more than Sh21 million. The narcotics, part of court exhibits, were intercepted in 2023 at the Suo roadblock along the Kisumu–Busia highway. The destruction took place Wednesday at the Alupe Sub-County Hospital incinerator in Teso South Sub-County. Busia County Criminal Investigations Officer Wesley Langat said the drugs were seized while being transported from neighbouring Uganda to Mombasa. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp “Two Kenyan suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents. We…
United Democratic Alliance candidate David Ndakwa in the Malava parliamentary by-election. [File, Standard] ODM has declared support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa in the Malava parliamentary by-election set for November 27, 2025. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa made the announcement on Monday, confirming that ODM would not field a candidate. “We, as members of ODM, because we support a broad-based government, have decided not to present a candidate in Malava. We are backing the candidate of the broad-based team, David Ndakwa,” Barasa said. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The governor said the move was meant to consolidate…
President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni at State House, Nairobi. President Museveni is on an official visit to Kenya. [PHOTO HIRAM OMONDI/PCS. 30/7/2025] Kenya and Uganda have committed to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers frustrating trade between the two countries. President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, committed this during a bilateral meeting held in Nairobi between July 30 and 31, 2025. The two Heads of State instructed their respective ministers in charge of trade to urgently convene and address bottlenecks affecting cross-border business. In a joint communiqué released in Mbale, Uganda, on Monday, Kenya’s…
Kenya, Uganda agree to eliminate trade barriers Published Date: 2025-09-01 20:15:00 Author: By Mary Imenza Source: The Standard
Coffee farmers sort out berries at a factory.[File, Standard] Farmers in Western region have been encouraged to closely monitor the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) to better understand the dynamics of coffee market and ensure they receive fair value for their produce. Speaking during a sensitization forum at Butere Girls High School, Everlyne Muthoni, an official with the NCE, emphasized the importance of transparency and awareness in the coffee trade.better understand “Every Tuesday, Kenyan coffee is sold at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. As a farmer, you can follow up on how it’s sold so that when you take your coffee to…
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi at Bunge Tower, Nairobi on March 10, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has dismissed the renewed push for unity among top Luhya leaders, claiming it is a veiled strategy to rally the Western region behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. Speaking in Khwisero, Osotsi said the campaign spearheaded by a section of MPs to unite Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya lacks genuine intent to advance the Luhya agenda. “It is the same narrative they used in 2022 to hoodwink Luhyas.…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-06-06 00:00:00 Author: By Mary Imenza Source: The Standard
Mukur residents in Tiaty, Baringo County draw water at a water project sponsored by First Lady Rachel Ruto on December 21, 2023. [Photo, Standard] Kenya and Uganda have signed a bilateral agreement to implement a mega water project to improve the economy of the two countries. The Angololo Water Resources Development Project (AWRDP), a major transboundary initiative, aims to improve food security, clean water access, power generation, job creation, and regional integration. Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muga and Uganda’s Environment Minister Beatrice Atim presided over the signing of the agreement in Busia. The development is a major milestone for a project conceptualised in 2015 and implemented in partnership with the Nile Basin Initiative through its Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP). The CS…