Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary Public Service Geoffrey Ruku. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has denied reprimanding Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on delayed government projects. Through a Tweet posted on his official X platform, Kindiki denied the reports, terming them desperate, mischievous, and utterly malicious. “My remark being discussed referred to a former Cabinet Secretary from the same area and other ex-leaders who manifested similar conduct, to affirm that governments worldwide operate on the principle of collective responsibility,” he explained. Seen a desperate, mischevious and utterly malicious twist insinuating that I lectured and disrepected my neighbour CS…
Author: By Mate Tongola
The General Service Unit officer was stationed at the Mokowe Camp, Lamu County. A General Service Unit (GSU) officer shot and killed his partner and their five-year-old daughter on Sunday in Mokowe, Lamu County, following a domestic dispute. Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech confirmed the incident, stating that authorities were alerted by neighbours who heard gunshots. The officer, who was stationed at the Mokowe GSU camp, reportedly turned violent after a disagreement with the woman he had been cohabiting with. “The bodies have been moved to the Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital morgue as investigations into the incident continue,” said Mr. Koech.…
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya.[Courtesy] Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya narrowly evaded what appeared to be an attempted arrest by unidentified armed officers at an undisclosed location in Mombasa. The now-viral video shared on the legislator’s social media platforms shows a group of uniformed and plain-clothed officers, some masked and visibly armed, attempting to apprehend the outspoken MP. The situation quickly escalated as residents and Salasya’s supporters confronted the officers, demanding they identify themselves and present a valid arrest warrant. The overpowered officers fled the scene moments later. The MP took to his social media to…
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya.[Courtesy] Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya narrowly evaded what appeared to be an attempted arrest by unidentified armed officers at an undisclosed location in Mombasa. The now-viral video shared on the legislator’s social media platforms shows a group of uniformed and plain-clothed officers, some masked and visibly armed, attempting to apprehend the outspoken MP. The situation quickly escalated as residents and Salasya’s supporters confronted the officers, demanding they identify themselves and present a valid arrest warrant. The overpowered officers fled the scene moments later. The MP took to his social media to…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-05-09 00:00:00 Author: By Mate Tongola Source: The Standard
IEBC chairperson candidate Erastus Edung Ethekon, before the selection panel on March 25, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). In a press release issued on Thursday, the President also named six individuals to serve as IEBC commissioners. The nominees are Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sarobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah. According to the statement signed by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, the nominations follow recommendations by the Selection Panel tasked with overseeing the recruitment…
Some of the recovered vehicles that had been stolen by the suspect in the car theft syndicate. [DCI,X] The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has raised the alarm over a sharp rise in motor vehicle thefts across Kenya since the start of 2024. So far, 28 suspects have been arrested in connection with the syndicate, which has seen a significant surge in insurance claims and unpaid loans held by financial institutions. “Detectives have arrested 28 suspects involved in motor vehicle theft syndicates and recovered 22 stolen vehicles, many of which had been sold to unsuspecting buyers within Kenya or smuggled…
Businessman Philip Aroko addressing journalists at Gigiri Police Station. [Screengrab] Businessman Philip Aroko now alleges that the Homa Bay Governor is behind the push to link him to the murder of Kasipul MP Charles Were. Aroko who surrendered to Gigiri Police Station late Wednesday after the DCI asked him to, told journalists that the leadership of Homa Bay County is behind his recent frustrations. “I saw the governor pushing so much, She was even making phone calls to the police to have me record a statement. I want to tell her that she has achieved that now,” Aroko stated. At…
The late Charles Ong’ondo Were. [File, Standard] The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a public appeal for Philip Nahashon Aroko to immediately surrender to the nearest police station. Aroko has been named a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the brutal killing of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Ong’ondo Were. “Compliance with this request is mandatory,” DCI stated on its official X platform. WANTED FOR MURDERThe Directorate of Criminal Investigations requests Philip Nahashon Aroko to surrender immediately to the nearest police station. He is a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into the brutal murder…
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Baraza when he appeared on KTN on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. [Screengrab] Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Baraza has come out in strong defense of President William Ruto’s growing number of advisers, urging Kenyans to assess their impact before passing judgment. Speaking during an interview on KTN, Baraza downplayed concerns over the size of the advisory team, stating that the focus should be on results, not headcount. “Kenyans should not focus on the number of advisers advising the President but on the output — what these advisers are bringing to the table,” Baraza said. “I…
Screen grab showing President William Ruto flinch as a black shoe hurtles towards him in Migori. President William Ruto has forgiven the person who threw a shoe at him during a public rally in Kehancha, Kuria West, Migori County on Sunday. Addressing the press on Tuesday, government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the Head of State has shown magnanimity by forgiving those responsible. “This is completely unacceptable! What kind of behaviour are we teaching our children? However, our President, having a big heart, has forgiven those responsible,” Mwaura stated. However, he did not confirm whether the individuals currently in custody had been…
Homicide team along Valley Road, Nairobi where Kasipul MP was shot dead. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] A key suspect linked to the cold-blooded murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were has been arrested in Nairobi. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced that the suspect was apprehended after forensic evidence and CCTV footage placed him along the MP’s final route from Parliament to the scene of the fatal shooting. A vehicle believed to have trailed the legislator before the attack was also recovered. “Reviewing of CCTV footage has enabled the team track the suspected vehicle which is seen following the…
Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo. [File, Standard] Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were is dead. Authorities have told The Standard that the MP was shot dead on Wednesday evening by unknown gunmen on a motorbike along Ngong Road, Nairobi. “The incident happened near the City Mortuary roundabout this evening,” the officer confirmed. The legislature was rushed to Nairobi Hospital where he was confirmed dead. Until his death, he was serving as the Vice-chairperson of the Committee on Cohesion. More to follow… Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were is dead. Authorities have told The Standard that the MP was shot…
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The draft Finance Bill 2025 has been tabled in Parliament a day after Cabinet approved it. According to a Cabinet dispatch released to newsrooms on Tuesday, the draft mainly focuses on sealing tax loopholes rather than introducing new taxes. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula confirmed receiving the draft stating that once approved by the National Assembly will form the basis for the Annual Appropriation Act. “Consequently, and pursuant to the provision of Standing Order 235, the estimates now stand committed to respective departmental committees and the Budget and…
President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. [PCS] In a move aimed at tightening fiscal discipline and realigning national priorities, the Cabinet has approved major budgetary adjustments in line with the Kenya Kwanza’s commitment to fiscal consolidation. During a Cabinet meeting held Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, and chaired by President William Ruto, ministries and State departments were directed to collaborate closely with the National Treasury to implement various expenditure reviews. “These adjustments are part of broader austerity measures designed to strengthen fiscal discipline, reduce public debt vulnerabilities, and create the fiscal space necessary to deliver essential public goods and…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-04-25 07:00:00 Author: By Mate Tongola Source: The Standard
President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. [Ruto, X] Kenya and China have signed 20 Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation frameworks covering major sectors including trade, education, digital economy, and infrastructure. President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday where they announced a raft of bilateral agreements and economic deals aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations. In the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Nairobi and Beijing, China committed to financing and supporting major infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba, the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit…
The incident was reproted at the Naroosura Police Station, Narok South. [Courtesy] The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into disturbing allegations of police brutality in Narok after graphic images of an injured woman, purportedly assaulted by an officer, went viral on social media. In a statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025, IPOA through its chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that it had reached out to the victim’s family and commenced an independent probe into the incident. “An independent investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding this incident,” IPOA stated. The authority emphasized its commitment to…
The incident was reproted at the Naroosura Police Station, Narok South. [Courtesy] The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into disturbing allegations of police brutality in Narok after graphic images of an injured woman, purportedly assaulted by an officer, went viral on social media. In a statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025, IPOA through its chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that it had reached out to the victim’s family and commenced an independent probe into the incident. “An independent investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding this incident,” IPOA stated. The authority emphasized its commitment to…
The late Pope Francis died on Easter Monday aged 88. [AFP] As the Catholic Church convenes its highest authorities to replace the late Pope Francis, the preservation of his body remains an immediate concern. Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday aged 88, will lie in state for three days and top priority is ensuring that his body does not decompose ahead of his funeral rites. Thousands of mourners are expected to pay their final respects to the first Pope from Latin America at St. Peter’s Basilica. According to Roman Catholic traditions, the papal embalming techniques have transformed over the…
Easter eggs have become a beloved symbol of the holiday. [Pinterest] Easter remains one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the Christian calendar. According to the New Testament, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurred three days after his crucifixion. Although not synonymous with the festivities in Kenya, Easter in other parts of the world is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions that include decorating eggs, Easter egg hunts, festive meals, and the arrival of the Easter Bunny. At its heart, Easter is a celebration of life, hope, and new beginnings—values that resonate…
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi.[Screengrab] Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has apologised to Butere Girls High School drama students following police action against them, after they declined to perform their play, Echoes of War, at the national drama festivals in Nakuru. Itumbi also criticised the decision to bar the school from staging the play, describing the move “absolutely unnecessary.” Speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Itumbi distanced himself from the decision and said that not all government officials shared the same position. “Let me take this with the full…
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth during the launch at Westgate Mall, Nairobi. [Mate Tongola, Standard] Global sportswear and lifestyle brand adidas Originals has officially expanded its footprint in Kenya with the launch of its new store at Westgate Mall in Westlands, Nairobi. The store, brought to the region by WAMA International Group, marks the brand’s first standalone adidas Originals outlet in East Africa. WAMA International, which operates more than 30 retail locations across various regions, has ambitious plans for further expansion across East Africa. “We are thrilled to launch our first adidas Originals store in East Africa,” said Ismael…
Parliamnet approved the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as CS for Public Service and Hanna Cheptumo as CS for Gender. The National Assembly has endorsed the appointment of two Cabinet nominees to lead critical government ministries, following recommendations by the Committee on Appointments. In a report tabled before Parliament and signed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Committee, lawmakers approved Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo was also cleared to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. The approvals were made…
Parliamnet approved the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as CS for Public Service and Hanna Cheptumo as CS for Gender. The National Assembly has endorsed the appointment of two Cabinet nominees to lead critical government ministries, following recommendations by the Committee on Appointments. In a report tabled before Parliament and signed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Committee, lawmakers approved Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo was also cleared to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. The approvals were made…
Parliamnet approved the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as CS for Public Service and Hanna Cheptumo as CS for Gender. The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has endorsed the appointment of two Cabinet nominees to lead critical government ministries. In a report tabled before Parliament and signed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Committee, lawmakers approved Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo was also cleared to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. The approvals were made in accordance with Article…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. [File, Standard] The Ministry of Education has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the aborted staging of the play Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School. Speaking on the matter, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed that the ministry will also re-examine the rules and regulations governing the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF). The review aims to ensure stricter compliance and prevent similar incidents in the future. PS Bitok reiterated Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba’s earlier remarks, emphasizing that Section 9.0 Note C of the KNDFF…
Butere Girls arriving at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru. [Julius Kipsang, Standard] Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has criticised the administration of Butere Girls High School for breaching national regulations by allowing a non-teacher to direct a school drama production. In a press statement issued on Thursday, Ogamba said the school contravened Section 9.0 Note C of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) guidelines, which stipulate that only teachers registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or qualified lecturers from registered post-secondary institutions are permitted to train or direct student performances. The controversy surrounds the play Echoes of…
NACADA has vowed to intensify the raids as it fights drug abuse and trafficking in the country. [NACADA,X] The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking with a successful raid in Kabaa Village, Mbiuni, Makueni County, resulting in the arrest of two suspected bhang traffickers. The Thursday mid-morning operation, led by NACADA enforcement officers was conducted following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public. During the raid, officers seized a significant quantity of illicit substances, including 20 brooms and 87 sticks of bhang. They also recovered drug-related paraphernalia…
Chaos erupted shortly after former Deputy President Gachagua’s entourage arrived at the church. [Screengrab] A Sunday church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was briefly disrupted after unknown individuals attempted to storm the PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani Constituency. The incident occurred shortly after Gachagua and his entourage arrived for the morning service. A group of unidentified people reportedly tried to force their way into the church, momentarily compromising the safety of congregants. Witnesses described a tense scene as the group shouted and pushed against church members who stood their ground to block the intrusion. Gunshots were heard…
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with his long time aide George Oduor. [Courtesy] George Oduor, a long term aide and bodyguard to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi West Hospital. A source close to Odinga confirmed Oduor’s death, stating that he had been hospitalized for the past two weeks. “Yes, it is true we have lost him,” the source told The Standard. Oduor’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from political figures and close associates. Among those mourning him is Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director Philip Etale and Kileleshwa Member…
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has vowed to collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery across the country. Expressing his gratitude to President William Ruto for his appointment, Duale took to social media to reaffirm his commitment to improving healthcare services. His reassignment follows a cabinet reshuffle that moved him from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to the health docket. “In my new role, I remain committed to ensuring accessible and quality services for all Kenyans. A key priority will be advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)…
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. [Collins Kweyu, Standard More than 25 political leaders from across Southern Africa, including Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, have been denied entry into Angola ahead of a two-day political retreat in Luanda. Speaking to The Standard, Sifuna confirmed he was among those barred from entering the country. “We have been deported and are currently on a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We were lucky to get out, but some of our colleagues are still held up in Luanda,” he said. Sifuna also shared an official invitation from Angola’s opposition leader Adalberto Costa requesting border…