Author: By Mike Kihaki

Raila defends ODM's cooperation with Kenya Kwanza

0

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga during the second day of the third National Executive Retreat on June 20, 2025. [PCS] ODM leader Raila Odinga defend his party’s decision to work with President William Ruto’s administration,  dismissing criticism that the cooperation is driven by 2027 succession politics. Speaking during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos on Monday, Raila urged members to focus on service delivery and the implementation of agreements reached with the government rather than being distracted by early campaigns. “Stand for what is right for the party, and look at what you have signed and remain as…

Read More

Wetang'ula warns Western leaders against disunity ahead of 2027

0

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula shares light moments with leaders after the church service on September 21, 2025. [Courtesy] National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned leaders from Western Kenya that without unity, the region risks losing its bargaining power in the 2027 elections. Speaking at Muanda Catholic Church in Bumula constituency, Bungoma County, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Wetang’ula urged leaders to rally behind a single voice, saying other regions already stand firmly behind their political figures. “In this region, we have to speak with one voice like others. You go to other regions; in Nyanza, they respect Raila.…

Read More

Confusion over hardship allowance as teachers left in limbo

0

President William Ruto address teachers representatives at State House, Nairobi on September 13, 2025. [PSC] Confusion over hardship allowances for teachers deepened Thursday as Members of Parliament accused the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of failing to fairly classify hardship areas, leaving thousands of teachers uncertain about their benefits. The allowance, introduced to compensate public servants posted to regions with poor infrastructure, insecurity and lack of basic amenities, is provided under Regulation 91 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers and the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The TSC administers the funds, but identification of hardship areas falls under the State Department…

Read More

Revealed: How Sh10,000 'reimbursement' kept teachers overnight at State House

0

Teachers representatives meeting with President William Ruto at State House Nairobi on September 13, 2025. [PSC] The image of teachers queuing overnight for handouts has left many questioning whether the dignity of the profession is being eroded in the name of political theatre. According to Amunga Khanyalabandu, an education advocate and researcher at the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), who attended the Saturday gathering, the invitation letter required teachers to be at the gates as early as 3 am. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom,…

Read More

DCI probing murder of lawyer Kyalo Mbobu

0

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launch investigation in prominent city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu death. [Courtesy] The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has begun investigations into the killing of prominent city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, vowing that no effort will be spared in bringing his killers to justice. In a statement on Wednesday, September 10, the agency said a team of detectives led by the Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCIO) is spearheading the probe, with all resources deployed to piece together the events leading to the fatal attack. “After securing the scene, detectives from the DCI Homicide Bureau, supported by experts…

Read More

Tony Gachoka: Elected leaders have betrayed the people

0

Nairobi Gubernatorial aspirant Tony Gachoka during the Royal nation to nation training college graduation on August 9, 2025 [David Gichuru, Standard] Three years into President William Ruto’s administration, Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Tony Gachoka has described the government as presiding over a collapse of multi-party democracy, runaway corruption, and failed governance. Speaking on Spice FM, Gachoka said the dysfunction runs from the top leadership down to Members of County Assembly, particularly in Nairobi. He cited the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process as an example, saying it began as a genuine effort to build a structured opposition that would keep government in check and…

Read More

Leaders call for Nairobi County dissolution over leadership failures

0

Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja before Senate Commiitee on Roads inquiry into the Urban Regeneration and renewal program on March 18, 2025 [Elvis Ogina,Standard] Weeks after Nairobi MCAs pushed for the impeachment of Governor Johnson Sakaja, fresh calls have emerged to dissolve the entire county government. Speaking in an interview with Spice FM, former Roysambu MCA Peter Warutere and Kenya Bora Tuitakayo (KBT) spokesperson Cyprian Namwamu said both Sakaja and the Assembly have failed Nairobians and should be sent home. “Nairobi’s problem is a leadership problem and a governance problem. People are paying expensive rates and levies, but they don’t get anything…

Read More

Siaya County bets Sh2 billion on hospital and stadium

0

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya with Siaya Governor James Orengo during the ground breaking ceremony on September 8, 2025. [Courtesy]  Siaya County has begun a Sh2 billion upgrade of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and the expansion of Siaya County Referral Hospital. At the referral hospital, the county government launched construction of a new inpatient block valued at Sh500 million, part of a Sh1.7 billion plan to turn the facility into a modern, three-wing hospital complex. The county has allocated Sh300 million for the project this financial year. Once completed, the hospital will have 500 beds and integrate with the…

Read More

Former Minister and Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno dies at 80

0

Former powerful Cabinet Minister and long-serving Rongo legislator, Dr. Dalmas Otieno Anyango.  Former powerful Cabinet Minister and long-serving Rongo legislator, Dr. Dalmas Otieno Anyango has died at the age of 80, his family confirmed to The Standard. His passing closes the chapter on a long career that straddled Kenya’s transition from the one-party era to modern multiparty politics. Born on April 19, 1945, in Kangeso village in Migori County, Dr. Otieno rose from a background in finance and academia to become one of Kenya’s most visible political figures in the late 1980s and 1990s. His towering stature in both physique…

Read More

Rift emerges over Kituyi's appointment as opposition Spokesperson

0

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking Sunday at Miharati PCEA Church in Nyandarua on September 7, 2025. [Courtesy] Efforts to build a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election have hit turbulence after Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala rejected the appointment of Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as the coalition’s spokesperson. The coalition, bringing together former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and other opposition figures, unveiled Dr. Kituyi last week as head of its secretariat and official mouthpiece. The move was intended to strengthen coordination and sharpen messaging ahead of upcoming by-elections. Malala,…

Read More

Muluka: Political elite using power for self-preservation

0

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga with Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja after a meeting with MCAs in Nairobi on September 2, 2025.  Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Secretary General Barack Muluka has accused Kenya’s political class of using governance as a shield to protect themselves rather than serve citizens. Muluka was reacting to the recent impeachment saga in Nairobi, where Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) threatened to oust Governor Johnson Sakaja but quickly retreated after interventions by President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga. He argued that the episode exposed how political expediency and elite bargains trump…

Read More

Sakaja survives impeachment after Raila intervention

0

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja saved on impeachment by Orange Democratic Movement MCAs. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been handed a lifeline after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MCAs agreed to suspend the impeachment process against him. The Orange party, which holds a majority of members in the City Assembly, held a closed-door meeting attended by ODM leader Raila Odinga, veteran politician Fred Gumo, and city legislators. The meeting, chaired by Makadara MP George Aladwa, came after weeks of tension in Nairobi’s county assembly, where a section of MCAs had collected enough signatures to trigger Sakaja’s removal. The…

Read More

Kenya secures Sh22b to boost EV manufacturing, cut power costs

0

President William Ruto and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi lead a bilateral meeting with with Dr Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Tokyo, Japan. [@MusaliaMudavadi, X] Kenya has signed a landmark Statement of Intent with Japan for a 25 billion Yen (Sh22 billion) Samurai financing facility that will accelerate local vehicle manufacturing and lower electricity costs for consumers. The agreement was sealed on Thursday on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, in a ceremony witnessed by President William Ruto and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Prime Cabinet…

Read More

Babu Owino accuses government of hypocrisy in graft war

0

Babu Owino speaking during the mass service of Albert Ojwang at Nyawango School in Homabay on July 4, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard] Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused President William Ruto’s administration of hypocrisy in the fight against corruption, alleging that the Executive itself is the “epicenter” of graft. Speaking on Spice FM on Thursday, August 21, Owino claimed the government is “shifting goalposts” and weaponising corruption to target opponents while protecting insiders. “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. But the Executive is already rotten… If the president is genuine about fighting corruption, he must…

Read More

Moses Kuria: Ruto's new anti-graft team risks undermining independence

0

Former CS Moses Kuria at Ojola in Kisumu during the opening of Kisumu West Huduma Centre by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on February 7, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard]. Placing the new Multi-Agency Team on War Against Corruption (MAT) under the Executive Office of the President could weaken its independence, Moses Kuria now says. Appearing on Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Kuria welcomed the government’s renewed focus on corruption but questioned the team’s structure and timing. According to Kuria, anchoring the team within the Executive Office raises fears of bias and control. “Any effort that goes to fight corruption is welcome, and there…

Read More

Faith Odhiambo: Gen Z forced courts to speak faster, MPs to apologise

0

Faith Odhiambo LSK President during The NOC-K East Africa Gender Conference in Nairobi on Jan 29, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] In March 2024, Faith Odhiambo, 38, made history when she became the 51st President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the second woman to be elected President after former Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo. Since then, she has been the most visible and vocal woman, fighting injustices and defending rights crusaders. Having been a board member and secretary at the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and having served as Nairobi Representative at LSK before becoming the Vice President, now…

Read More

Match day gridlock: Traffic diverted for football action

0

Traffic at Uhuru Highway/Langata roads roundabout next to Nyayo National Stadium ahead of CHAN 2024 between Morocco- Zambia on August 14, 2025 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Motorists in Nairobi have to brace for major traffic disruptions this afternoon, and into the evening, as the  city hosts the Africa Championship (CHAN) tournament. The partial and full road closures, alongside traffic diversions were however not officially announced by authorities, but are meant to ease movement around the affected routes. A spot check by The Standard on Thursday revealed that sections of Uhuru Highway, Lang’ata road and Thika round were closed. Routes leading to…

Read More

Devolution at crossroads: Counties struggle with dependency and graft

0

President William Ruto and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga samples products at the Devolution Conference on August 13, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard]    When Kenya adopted devolution in 2013, it was hailed as a transformative step to unite a fractured nation, spur grassroots development, and promote social justice. Thirteen years later, that dream is dimmed by a stark reality: many counties remain little more than ‘distribution units’ waiting for the national government’s cheque — crippled by incompetence and riddled with corruption. Professor Peter Kagwanja, CEO of the Africa Policy Institute, says the rot began at the foundation and has persisted…

Read More

CAF slaps Kenya with Sh6.5m fine over security breaches

0

Harambee Stars fans at The Moi International Sports center during clash between Harambee stars against Morocco on Aug 10, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh6.5 million for multiple safety and security breaches during the Group A CHAN 2024 match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday. CAF’s Disciplinary Board cited insufficient stadium security and failure to  enforce road closures on Sunday. The continental body warned that repeated violations could force Kenya to play Harambee Stars’ home matches at foreign venues, in a ruling,delivered on Wednesday,…

Read More

'Fish diplomacy:' Ruto serves up politics and tilapia in Homa Bay

0

President William Ruto joins fish traders at Homa Bay Beach on August 12, 2025. [PSC] President William Ruto traded his presidential motorcade for a jiko on Tuesday evening, rolling up his sleeves to fry tilapia with women traders at Homa Bay Beach. Fresh from a meeting with grassroots women leaders from four Nyanza counties, Ruto strolled to the shoreline, where sizzling oil, laughter, and the aroma of fresh catch hung in the air. With two frying pans balanced over glowing charcoal and Ohangla music playing in the background, the president rubbed each fish with salt before sliding it into bubbling…

Read More

'Fish diplomacy:' Ruto serves up politics and tilapia in Homa Bay

0

President William Ruto joins fish traders at Homa Bay Beach on August 12, 2025. [PSC] President William Ruto traded his presidential motorcade for a jiko on Tuesday evening, rolling up his sleeves to fry tilapia with women traders at Homa Bay Beach. Fresh from a meeting with grassroots women leaders from four Nyanza counties, Ruto strolled to the shoreline, where sizzling oil, laughter, and the aroma of fresh catch hung in the air. With two frying pans balanced over glowing charcoal and Ohangla music playing in the background, the president rubbed each fish with salt before sliding it into bubbling…

Read More

Ruto: 'No brains' politics won't derail housing plan

0

President William Ruto At State House during launch of the National Equipment Service Project in healthcare service on August 7, 2025. [PSC] President William Ruto has said no amount of criticism will derail his administration’s Affordable Housing Program, which he insists is creating jobs and driving development. Speaking on Sunday in Limuru, Kiambu, during an inspection of a housing project, Ruto dismissed claims the initiative is a waste of resources or failing to deliver employment. He argued that such criticism comes from leaders without a vision for the country. “Kenya will not be changed by empty rhetoric, hate, mayhem or…

Read More

I am the darling of Kenyans, Gachagua tells US media

0

When former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua spoke to the media from his Karen home. [File, Standard] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted claims that he is a tribalist, calling the label a calculated political attack aimed at diminishing his rising popularity among Kenyans across the country. Speaking during a media briefing in Kansas City, USA, Gachagua accused President William Ruto and his inner circle of orchestrating the narrative to weaken his growing national influence. “William Ruto has nothing against me and the only remaining strategy is to label me a tribalist to try to demean me before the people…

Read More

'I am Kenya's best president,' Ruto claims

0

President William Ruto meeting a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County at State House on August 4, 2025. [PSC] President William Ruto has declared that he bears the responsibility of transforming Kenya and has no excuse for failure, saying he combines the best traits of Kenya’s past presidents. His remarks come at a time when his administration is under immense  public pressure to deliver on campaign promises, amid economic strain. Speaking on Monday at State House while meeting a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County, the President said that he has all that it takes to lead the country to the next…

Read More

Duale: Biometrics to replace OTP use in sweeping SHA reforms

0

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during official launch of Benefits Package and Tarrifs Advisory Panel on May 26, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Biometric identification will now be mandatory for all Kenyans seeking care under the Social Health Authority (SHA) after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the nationwide rollout of the new system. The technology, which replaces one-time passwords (OTP) and physical documents, is already operational in Level 4, 5 and 6 health facilities and is being extended to Level 2 and 3 centres.  Duale said the move is part of efforts to eliminate fraud and  streamline access to healthcare…

Read More

Relief for university students as government lowers fees

0

The Technical University of Kenya students graduation on December 19, 2023. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] The government has slashed tuition fees for all academic programmes in public universities and constituent colleges, offering fresh hope to students and parents who have struggled to keep pace with rising education costs. As universities prepare to reopen in September, the new fee structure could mean relief from anxiety that has been hanging around for the last two years, as the government struggled to implement the new funding model. In a notice by The Standard, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said the revised fee structure,…

Read More

Ruto assents to Conflict of Interest and Social Protection Bills

0

President William Ruto sign to law the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 and the Social Protection Bill, 2025, at State House, Nairobi on July 30, 2025 [PCS]. President William Ruto has this morning signed into law the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, and the Social Protection Bill, 2025, at State House, Nairobi. The two laws close the legislative chapter and open the door for critical reforms in public service integrity and social welfare. The Conflict of Interest Bill, which repeals the Public Officer Ethics Act, consolidates conflict of interest laws into a single, enforceable legal framework. The Bill is being…

Read More

Gachagua: We will secure our secret card until the last minute

0

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a Community Public Rally in Baltimore, USA, on Sunday July 27, 2025. [Courtesy] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed that the opposition will not reveal its preferred presidential candidate any time soon, saying the decision is a calculated strategy to outmaneuver President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during a Community Public Rally in Baltimore, USA, Gachagua said the  opposition is united behind the “Ruto Must Go” movement but is deliberately keeping its cards close to its chest to avoid sabotage. “Why we are saying we have to wait is…

Read More

CHAN LOC wary of Gen Z protests

0

With Kenya set to co-host the 2025 CHAN alongside Uganda and Tanzania, LOC Chairman Nicholas Musonye has called for safety preparations. Published Date: 2025-07-25 23:04:40 Author: By Mike Kihaki Source: The Standard

Read More

Govt rolls out Sh1.5b milk coolers to boost dairy sector

0

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe The government has launched the installation of 230 bulk milk coolers worth Sh1.45 billion across 40 counties. The project marks a milestone in the dairy value chain, promising relief for farmers who have long struggled with losses caused by poor storage and limited market access. Speaking during the official flag-off in Nyeri, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the coolers will improve milk handling, increase storage capacity, and enhance the value of dairy produce for millions of farmers. “So far, we have installed eight coolers in various dairy cooperatives…

Read More

Homebound at last: All is set for Stephen Munyakho's return

0

Stephen Munyakho [Courtesy] Saudi Arabia authorities have agreed to fully cover deportation costs of Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan national who had been on death row in the Middle East for manslaughter following release from jail. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday confirmed that Kenya’s Embassy in Riyadh has already prepared an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for Stephen Munyakho, whose passport had expired during incarceration. Munyakho is expected to return home as early as today, following his release yesterday, after months of high-level diplomatic intervention. “We are now only awaiting confirmation of the deportation flight, which could happen any…

Read More

Murkomen accuses LSK of defending 'criminals'

0

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen at Harambee House Nairobi address press on 26th June 2025. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard] Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has criticised the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing the legal body of “siding with suspected criminals” and undermining efforts to tackle violence during recent anti-government protests. Speaking in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday, July 23, Murkomen condemned the LSK’s role in securing lower bail terms for individuals arrested during the June 25 and Saba Saba protests. He further accused LSK of trivialising grave offences, including arson and looting, which he claims amount to terrorism. “I have seen the LSK…

Read More

'Every coin will count,' Maraga tells supporters as donations pour in

0

Former Chief Justice David Maraga after attending Kahawa Court on July 16, 2025 where 37 youths were charged with acts of terrorism by allegedly burning down Dagoretti Police Station.  [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] Former Chief Justice David Maraga has assured that his campaign will be transparent and accountable in handling public donations and data. Maraga said that the digital platform, still under development, will include a public ticker for donations and offer channels for Kenyans to provide feedback on the evolving campaign manifesto. “My commitment to you, as best as humanly possible, guided by integrity and constitutional fidelity, is that of…

Read More

Govt opens 4,000 internship slots under affordable housing plan

0

New Mukuru affordable Housing project  buildings along Likoni road  in the Nairobi Industrial Area. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito] The government has announced 4,000 internship opportunities under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), targeting recent graduates across a wide range of professional disciplines. The internships, which will last 12 months, are part of the state’s broader plan to enhance skills among young professionals while accelerating the delivery of affordable homes across the country. In a public notice issued by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the internship programme invites graduates in fields such as architecture, civil engineering, environmental science, law, ICT, and digital marketing,…

Read More

'Terror laws used to muzzle youth protests,' Wamalwa claims

0

Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa at Chui House in Karen on 22nd July 2025. [Edward Kiplimo,standard] Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using anti-terror laws to silence youth-led protests demanding accountability. Wamalwa on Tuesday, July 22, claimed the government has weaponized the  criminal justice system against citizens, using the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to clamp down on free speech and digital activism. “The criminal justice system has been used by the government against its own citizens. The law is being twisted to tarnish,…

Read More

Not even the president can direct IEBC', Wetang'ula warns politicians

0

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi on July 20, 2025 National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged politicians to stop interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that political meddling could derail voter registration and upcoming by-elections. Speaking on Sunday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula noted that reckless remarks by leaders risk undermining the newly reconstituted IEBC. “Politicians, especially some younger leaders, must avoid making reckless and prejudicial statements that could undermine the autonomy of the Commission,” Wetang’ula noted. He explained that the IEBC is a…

Read More