Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-08-10 00:00:00 Author: By Ronald Kipruto Source: The Standard
Author: By Ronald Kipruto
Chairperson Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Ethekon with commissioners during the consultative roundtable stallholders in Nairobi on 6th August 2025 [David Gichuru, Standard] The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted by-elections for November 27, to fill 17 ward representative seats, six parliamentary seats, and the Baringo Senate seat. The notice, dated August 8, follows an announcement by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon during a consultative meeting with the Kenya Media Sector Working Group and the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa. Ethekon said preparations for the polls were in advanced stages and expected to be completed…
CS Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to arrest public officials implicated in corruption. Speaking at Kirewe Grounds in Kwale County on Wednesday, Ruku was responding to the EACC’s latest report, which highlights widespread bribery in key government departments, including the police, immigration, and civil registration offices. The report revealed that many Kenyans struggle to access public services and are often forced to pay bribes, even for essential services such as healthcare. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Several professions were listed among the…
CHAN 2024: President Ruto meets Harambee Stars ahead of opener, urges Kenyans to show up in large numbers; national team to face DR Congo tomorrow, 3pm at Kasarani Stadium. Published Date: 2025-08-02 11:54:38 Author: By Ronald Kipruto Source: The Standard
President William Ruto meeting Harambee Stars players. [PCS] President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support Harambee Stars as they face DR Congo as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament begins. Speaking on Saturday, August 2, during a meeting with the national team, Ruto said Harambee Stars are prepared to deliver a win for the country. “All they need now is your support,” he said, rallying Kenyans to back the team. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp President William Ruto meeting Harambee Stars players. [PCS] “Kenyans, are you ready for the biggest football…
Job Kimani sorts out a variety of fruit products at the Eldoret main market in Uasin Gishu County [Peter Ochieng, Standard] Kenya’s inflation rose by 4.1 per cent in July compared to 3.8 per cent recorded in June, according to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The rise in the annual inflation rate has been attributed to an increase in prices of commodities in the last 12 months. Between July 2024 and last month, prices of products categorised as food and non-alcoholic beverages shot up by 6.8 per cent while the transport index rose 4.1…
A photo of suspected narcotics. [KRA] Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday morning seized at least 41 sachets of suspected narcotics a passenger who landed in the country from a Bangkok, Thailand. The narcotics which were concealed in two suitcases weighing 46 kilograms and were discovered during a routine baggage scan. According to KRA Customs officials, the sachets were carefully hidden within the luggage to evade detection. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp ‘Thanks to the vigilance of our officers and advanced scanner technology, another threat to our borders was stopped in its…
Former Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Abbass Gullet [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] President William Ruto has appointed former Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary-General Abbas Gullet as the chairperson of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Board of Directors. In a gazette notice dated July 25, Ruto revoked the appointment of Dr Samier Muravvej and named Gullet to serve a three-year term. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6(1)(a) of the State Corporations Act and Regulation 2(2)(a) of the Kenyatta National Hospital Board Order, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces,…
Basic Education PS Julius Bitok said the Ministry will lobby Parliament to enhance budget allocation to meet capitation and exam budget. [File, Standard] The Ministry of Education has announced plans to lobby for more funds to protect the free primary and secondary education after reports that the two programs are on the verge of collapse. Speaking in Kilifi County during St Thomas Girls Secondary School prize giving day, Basic Education PS Julius Bitok stated that the government has no plans to scrap free education despite revelations of huge cuts on funds sent to schools. The Ministry announced it will lobby…
Travel documents: passport and airline tickets with calendar in the background. [File,Standard] Kenyans applying for the United States visa will now be required to disclose all social media usernames or handles used in the past five years. According to the US Embassy in Nairobi, failure to provide this information could result in visa denial. “Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future US applications,” the Embassy said on Friday. “Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” it added. Follow The Standard…
Stadiums set to host the (AFCON) in June and July 2027 are expected to be ready between December 2025 and June 2026, Sports CS Salim Mvurya has said. Published Date: 2025-07-23 14:13:55 Author: By Ronald Kipruto Source: The Standard
Agriculture and Livestock CS Mutahi Kagwe before the National Assembly Agriculture and Livestock Committee on February 21, 2025[Boniface Okendo, Standard] The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has launched a five-year strategic plan worth Sh10.8 billion for the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), aimed at boosting livestock productivity and enhancing food security through access to affordable, high-quality veterinary vaccines. According to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, the 2023–2027 plan will guide the institute in ramping up vaccine production through innovation, infrastructure modernization, and improved market access. Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan in Nyeri, Kagwe said the…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. [DPCS] Kenyans have been urged to shun politicians inciting violence, looting, and the destruction of property. Speaking Friday in Matayos Constituency, Busia, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki cautioned youth against being misled by self-serving leaders. He said that despite the country’s challenges, lawlessness is not a solution. “Thank you, Busia, for keeping the peace and maintaining law and order. I commend you for that,” he said, noting that while many counties experienced chaos during recent nationwide protests, Busia remained calm. Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp Prime Cabinet Secretary and…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-07-19 00:00:00 Author: By Ronald Kipruto Source: The Standard
A general view of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). February 21st, 2025 (Elvis Ogina, Standard) Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has now distanced itself from the continued stay of a prime murder suspect at the facility. In a detailed press statement, KNH said it had no intention of hosting Kennedy Kalombotole after his discharge but was left with no alternative, saying it was acting on the instructions of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). “We emphasise that the suspect had been discharged, and the hospital did not intend or desire to host him indefinitely. However, in the absence of alternative options and…
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni (center) flanked by Jubilee Party Kisii Women Caucus on July 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito,Standard] Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has dismissed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s proposal for a national conclave, terming it unnecessary and politically motivated. Odinga, during a Saba Saba press briefing, had called for the formation of a national conclave to chart a new path for Kenya through inclusive civic engagement. But Kioni argued that Kenyans already know the country’s problems and do not need another round of talks. He accused leaders pushing for the conclave of advancing selfish interests. Follow the The…
John Mbadi Cabinet Secretary the National Treasury and Economic Planning. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s decision to securitise the fuel levy. Mbadi, on Wednesday said the move is aimed at unlocking stalled infrastructure projects and settling pending payments to contractors. The Treasury CS said the additional Sh7 levy, added to the existing Sh18 road maintenance levy will support development goals, noting that the original Sh18 remains untouched. Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp Mbadi was responding to criticism from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who accused the government of driving up fuel prices…
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala during an interview on Spice FM on July 15, 2025. [Spice FM] DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has been ordered to pay Sh305,000 in legal costs after losing a court battle challenging his removal from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). High Court Deputy Registrar Lydia Mbacho, sitting at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, directed Malala to pay Sh155,660 to UDA and Sh150,000 to its chairperson, Cecily Mbarire. The case was filed in August 2024. Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp “The High Court of Kenya at Political Parties…
Kenya Revenue Authority logo. [Standard File] The Kenya Revenue Authority has surpassed its revenue target for the 2024/25 financial year, collecting Sh 2.572 trillion against a target of Sh 2.555 trillion. The collections rose from Sh 2.407 trillion recorded in the previous year, with the authority linking the growth to a 4.7 per cent rise in Gross Domestic Product. “The revenue performance reflects prevailing economic indicators with notable growth in agriculture, financial services, transport and real estate,” noted KRA in a statement on Thursday. The authority explained that a stronger shilling, lower inflation and falling oil prices supported the economy…
Kenya Revenue Authority logo. [Standard File] The Kenya Revenue Authority has surpassed its revenue target for the 2024/25 financial year, collecting Sh 2.572 trillion against a target of Sh 2.555 trillion. The collections rose from Sh 2.407 trillion recorded in the previous year, with the authority linking the growth to a 4.7 per cent rise in Gross Domestic Product. “The revenue performance reflects prevailing economic indicators with notable growth in agriculture, financial services, transport and real estate,” noted KRA in a statement on Thursday. The authority explained that a stronger shilling, lower inflation and falling oil prices supported the economy…
Screengrab Showimg supporters protescting Former CJ David Maraga. [Screengrab] Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been teargassed along Kimathi Street in Nairobi as he joined protesters marking the anniversary of the June 25 demonstrations. Earlier, Maraga had addressed his supporters outside the Nation Centre building, calling for peaceful and orderly protests. ‘’We should all ensure our women are safe let us all ensure everyone is safe,” he said. Supporters shielded him to safety when police lobbed teargas canisters into the crowd. More follows… Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been teargassed along Kimathi Street in Nairobi as he joined protesters…
Njeri Kariuki Mother to Boniface Kariuki, the hawker who was shot by police in the head on Tuesday last week’s demonstrations. [[David Gichuru, Standard] The family of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker who was shot during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, is appealing for financial assistance as medical bills continue to mount. Speaking to the media on Saturday during a health update at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kariuki’s father, Jonah Kariuki, also a hawker, said they have not received any support or official communication from authorities. “No one has communicated to us, no one has helped us,” he said. Relatives of…
Screen grab of DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa. [Spice FM] Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has emphasised that their opposition to President William Ruto is not personal, but rather a stand against what he describes as a corrupt system created by the current administration. Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, June 17, Wamalwa cited controversial government deals such as Adani, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and KETRACO, stating: “It is not that we hate Ruto really, but the endemic corruption and the system, because at the head of every deal, he is there himself.” “The rest…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. [DPCS] Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka against being drawn into what he termed divisive and tribal politics. Speaking during a visit to Wote, in Makueni, Kindiki described Kalonzo as a respected leader and urged him to resist being misled by opposition politicians. “If you see my big brother Kalonzo, tell him to be careful not to be lured into bad politics of abuse and tribalism… He is a lawyer,” said Kindiki. In an apparent swipe at his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, Kindiki dismissed recent overtures describing a “brotherhood” between Gachagua and…
Albert Ojwang who died in police custody. [Courtesy] Technician accused of tampering with CCTV in Ojwang murder probe arrested The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a 23-year-old technician in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang. The man identified as Kelvin Matava was arrested on Friday, June 13, in Saika, Nairobi. Authorities said he admitted to tampering with the CCTV system at Central Police Station and claimed he was paid Sh3,000 for the job. Matava’s arrest comes hours after Police Constable James Mukhwana was taken into custody over the death of Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, who died under…
DCI Mohamed Amin at Parliament on October 13, 2023[Boniface Okendo, Standard] Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin has confirmed the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station is being treated as the prime suspect in the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. Amin said the OCS, identified as Samson Taalam, failed to formally book Ojwang into the Occurrence Book upon his arrival at the station. “Before the booking, the report office personnel called the OCS, who unfortunately declined to book the suspect,’’ Amin told the Senate. Citing the Criminal Procedure Code, the DCI boss defended the decision to transfer Ojwang…
IPOA Deputy CEO Anne Wanjiku before the Senate. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has named five police officers as suspects involved in the arrest of blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang. The five include three police constables and two sergeants, namely, Sergeant Sigei, Sergeant Wesley Kipkorir Kirui, Police Constables Dennis Kenyoni, Milton Mwanze, and Boniface Rabudo. Ojwang, a teacher, was arrested in Migori on Friday, June 7, and transported to Nairobi, where he later died in custody. According to IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, the CCTV footage from the office of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Central…
Geoffrey Ruku, CS for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes during his vetting at County Hall, Nairobi on April 14, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku is pushing for institutional reforms at the National Youth Service (NYS), including plans to commercialise its operations through the establishment of a National Youth Enterprise. Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, June 6, Ruku said the government is exploring ways to generate revenue from NYS by leveraging the skills of its trainees in sectors such as security and engineering. “Moving forward, we are going to start commercialization. Can…
More than 8 people have lost their lives after a fire gutted down a section of houses at Makina, Kibera on 24 May, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] At least eight people have been killed and six others sustained serious burns after a fire broke out early Saturday in Makina, Kibra constituency. Confirming the incident, area Member of Parliament Peter Orero said emergency teams were on the ground assessing the situation. This morning, tragedy struck our community following a devastating fire incident in Makina, behind Kambi, along the route to Eagles. It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the…
Cane plantation at Vuyika in Malava Sub-county in Kakamega County on July 12, 2021. [File/Standard] The Kenya Sugar Board has announced an increase in prices of sugarcane, effective May 26, 2025. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, cane prices will rise by Sh200 per tonne due to prevailing economic conditions. “Based on the prevailing ex-factory sugar prices over the past three months (February- April 2025), the price of cane has increased from the current Sh5,300 per tonne to Sh5,500, effective May 26,” Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Ronoh stated. ‘’You are hereby requested to adhere to the new…
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. [File, Standard] The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two suspects in connection with a Sh200,000 bribery case at Mumias Level 4 Hospital. The two are accused of soliciting and receiving a bribe to facilitate payment for medical equipment lawfully supplied to the hospital. According to the commission, the complainant had supplied the hospital with an X-ray scanner worth Sh1.4 million. The hospital agreed to pay in three instalments, and had already settled the first instalment of Sh500,000 on April 17, 2025. However, on May 8, the complainant was contacted by hospital staff, who allegedly…
Agriculture cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe. [MoA] Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for increased funding to the agriculture sector, saying its current allocation is disproportionate to its contribution to Kenya’s economy. Kagwe noted that while agriculture accounts for nearly 50 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 22.5 percent directly and an additional 25 to 30 percent through indirect linkages, the ministry receives only 3 percent of the national budget. “Despite contributing a staggering 50 per cent to our GDP—22.5 per cent directly and an additional 25- 30 per cent through indirect linkages, agriculture currently receives only…
It’s the kind of place you have probably passed a hundred times without realising it’s a hotbed of conspiracy theories and whispered tales. READ FULL STORY Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-05-18 00:00:00 Author: By Ronald Kipruto Source: The Standard
It’s the kind of place you have probably passed a hundred times without realising it’s a hotbed of conspiracy theories and whispered tales. READ FULL STORY Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-05-18 00:00:00 Author: By Ronald Kipruto Source: The Standard
Jane Akinyi (right) holding her baby while a medic administer a Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine (BCG) vaccine at Forest Dispensary in Nakuru on January 28, 2019. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Kenya is facing a shortage of BCG and polio vaccines that has gone on for months, leaving parents frustrated and desperate. With the immunisations unavailable in many health facilities, some parents have turned to social media to share their struggles, many saying they have been forced to travel across counties to access the vaccines. “Mniambie mahali nitatoa BCG vaccines” (Tell me where to get the BCG vaccine), wrote X user Aslan Kenga.…
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya addressing youth in Malindi, Kilifi County on Saturday, May 10, 2025. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard] Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has allegedly been arrested. According to his lawyer, Kennedy Echesa, Salasya’s vehicle was shot at the rear tire in an apparent attempt to immobilise it, and his bodyguards disarmed. The individuals, who identified themselves as police officers, reportedly handcuffed the MP and bundled him into their vehicle. “These people, heavily armed and moving with force, ambushed my convoy, disarmed my security team, confiscating their firearms, and pursued my vehicle. One of my security personnel managed to escape…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the unveiling of his new party, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Nairobi on May 15th 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] Brown, white, and neon green. Those are the official colours of the newly unveiled political outfit by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. And he insists this isn’t just another party. It’s a listening party. Dubbed the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the outfit unveiled on Thursday, May 15, is the vehicle Gachagua hopes to ride straight into the 2027 General Election. The party’s logo? An ear, with fingers cupped around it, because, apparently, nothing says…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Just days after resigning from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is plotting a political comeback. He is expected to launch a new party on Thursday, May 15, which he believes is key to making President William Ruto a one-term leader. Speaking in Juja, Kiambu County, on Sunday, Gachagua did not disclose the name of the new outfit but described it as a unifying force for the Mt. Kenya region. “This week, I will unveil…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Just days after resigning from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is plotting a political comeback. He is expected to launch a new party on Thursday, May 15, which he believes is key to making President William Ruto a one-term leader. Speaking in Juja, Kiambu County, on Sunday, Gachagua did not disclose the name of the new outfit but described it as a unifying force for the Mt. Kenya region. “This week, I will unveil…
Senator Gloria Orwoba when CS Alfred Mutua appeared before the Senate’s Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, at Mini Chambers, County Hall, Parliament, Nairobi. May 6th, 2025 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has summoned nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba to face disciplinary action, accusing her of disloyalty, misconduct and violations of the party code. In a statement on Saturday, May 10, UDA noted Orwoba disrespected the party when she welcomed former Interior Minister Fred Matiangi back to Kenya at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, April 17, and during the homecoming at Gusii Stadium. The party also faulted…
Agriculture and Livestock CS Mutahi Kagwe before the National Assembly Agriculture and Livestock Committee at Parliament on February 21, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard] The government has completed the leasing of four sugar factories: Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony and Muhoroni, and agreed to pay Sh. 6 billion owed to farmers by July this year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said the move will address salary arrears owed to sugarcane workers and secure the future of both cane farmers and sugar factories. “Following lengthy negotiations, the government has agreed with the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) to…
Francis Omondi and Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. [ACK] Francis Omondi has been consecrated as the second Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Garissa. Omondi, who has served the Anglican Church for 30 years, pledged to work for the people of Garissa with dedication and strength. “I give myself to you, I offer you my service and my leadership, my energy and my gift. I also offer myself in faith, hope and in love,” Omondi said during the installation. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated Omondi and expressed confidence in his leadership. “Join us…
Four arrested in Sh25.8b fake gold scam. [Courtesy] DCI officers in Nairobi have arrested four individuals linked to fake gold dealings at Runda estate and recovered fake gold bars weighing 9.5kg. According to DCI, the arrest followed a report that a foreign national had been defrauded of Sh25.8 million in a phony gold deal. “Upon receipt of the information, the detectives proceeded to a targeted dwelling house located within plot number 685 along Glory Valley Lane, where they managed to arrest them,” DCI said. A weighing machine, an electronic gold tester, and other assorted items were also recovered. In a…
Photo of Kabunde Airstrip,Homa Bay. [MINA] Homa Bay County is set to benefit from the ongoing refurbishment of Kabunde Airstrip ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1. This year’s national celebration will be hosted in Homa Bay under the theme ‘Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.’ According to the Ministry of Interior, preparations are in full swing. In a statement, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the government, through the State Department for Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), is overseeing the upgrades at Kabunde airstrip, which include refurbishment of the passenger terminal and construction of a…
Agriculture and livestock development CS, Mutahi Kagwe. [MOAL] The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled plans to allow all one hundred and forty-two (142) tea factories across the country to sell directly to international buyers. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, speaking at Gitugi Tea Factory in Nyeri County on Friday, said the move will eliminate middlemen and significantly boost farmers’ profit margins. “Our focus remains to ensure better returns for farmers, strengthening governance in the tea sub-sector, and promoting transparency in smallholder tea factories,” said Kagwe. He added that the ministry is intensifying efforts to tap into emerging global markets, with…
Anti-Finance bill protestors demonstrate in Nairobi. July 2, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Parliament proceedings yesterday have sparked national debate after lawmakers condemned the BBC documentary Blood Parliament, which details the June 25, 2024 anti-tax protests that ended in bloodshed. Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi has drawn public ire after appearing to downplay the deadly protests. ‘’People are killed all the time…we sympathise and move on,” said Abdullahi while dismissing the documentary’s impact. He later described the events as “tragic and shameful,” claiming they posed a threat to parliamentary democracy. Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie also hit out at the British…
ODM Leader Raila Odinga at the Funeral of Preskila Oreny Koyo. [File, Standard] Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has defended the party’s decision to work with the government. According to Odinga, the party maintains a working relationship with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), aimed at uniting Kenyans. “We as ODM decided we will have a relationship with the government, but that does not mean we are in the government,’’ said Odinga. We have an agreement with UDA because we want Kenyans to benefit and get development. We want peace in this nation,’’ he added. Odinga referenced the US…
Tanzania opposition figure Tundu Lissu reacts to supporters upon his return after about five years in exile, at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam in January 2023. [AFP] Tanzanian opposition leaders are now demanding access to detained party chairman Tundu Lissu, saying it is his constitutional right. The leaders claim that Keko Prison, where Lissu is being held, failed to produce him during a scheduled visit on Friday. Among the visitors were Deputy Secretary General–Zanzibar Advocate Ali Ibrahim, other party officials, legal representatives, and family members, all of whom were denied access without explanation. ‘’Efforts to see…
Mediheal Group of Hospitals founder Swarup Mishra. [File,Standard] President William Ruto has suspended Swarup Mishra as the chairperson of the Kenya BioVax Institute. In a statement dated Friday, April 18, the suspension takes effect immeditely, to allow investigations into allegations of organ trafficking at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret. ‘’The suspension shall remain in force pending the outcome of investigation into serious allegations of unethical and illegal activities involving kidney transplant procedures at the Mediheal Hospital and Fertility centre in Eldoret,’’ said State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed. Mishra was appointed to chair the Kenya BioVax Institute in November 2024. The former…
Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX),Logo. [Courtesy] Thousands of traders across Africa have been left reeling after an online trading platform collapsed, vanishing with their money, in the millions. Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), the company at the centre of the scandal, is accused of operating a Ponzi scheme that promised investors a 100 percent return within 30 days. When users attempted to withdraw their money, the company failed to honor requests and abruptly shut down its physical offices, amid mounting complaints. According to investigations, the trading company presented itself as a legitimate digital asset trading platform under various names, including ST Technologies…
Hannah Cheptumo and Geoffrey Ruku sworn in as Cabinet Secretaries. [PCS] President William Ruto has dismissed criticism of his administration, saying he will continue to make tough decisions—and is prepared to pay the price. The president who spoke on Thursday, April 17, during the swearing-in ceremony of new Cabinet Secretaries and 14 Principal Secretaries at State House, Ruto said he would lead from the front. “I will lead from the front. I will make the difficult decisions and pay the price if there is any to be paid. We are going to change this country,” he said. “We must stay…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Tuesday during a national evangelical revival. [DPCS] The Kenya Kwanza administration has had a complex relationship with the Church, marked by generous government donations on one hand, and public disagreements on the other. In response to growing concerns, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sought to reassure religious leaders that the government respects the independence of the Church. “There is no contest between the Church and the State,” Kindiki said on Tuesday during the Africa Revival Agenda Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. “The Church and…
Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai during the Tea Reforms Conference in Kericho County on June 6, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has hit out at Echoes of War playwright Cleophas Malala, labelling him a ‘mamluki’, a Swahili term for mercenary, accusing him of exploiting the play to push a personal agenda. Mutai accused Malala of taking Butere Girls High School students to the drama festivals despite not being qualified to do so. He cited regulations requiring that only registered teachers under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) accompany students to such events. ‘’Regulations are very clear. Each time…
Cabinet secretary ministry of Education Prof.Julius Migos Ogamba, address press on 25th March 2025 at Glee Hotel in Kiambu County. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of four members of the University of Nairobi Council, effective April 11. The four — Sally Toroitich, Ahmed Abdullahi, Parmain Narrikae, and Carren Omwenga — have ceased to hold their positions, according to a gazette notice issued by the CS. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 36(1) (d) of the Universities Act, 2012, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions…
The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa President ,Abdullah Almusaibeeh.[File, Standard] Abdullah Almusaibeeh has been appointed the new president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). Almusaibeeh, a current board member, was named to the position by the bank’s Board of Governors, succeeding Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah, whose tenure will officially conclude on June 30. Almusaibeeh was elected during BADEA’s annual meeting in Kuwait City. He will take over from Tah, who has served as BADEA president since 2015. As the new president, he will oversee the bank’s portfolio of funded projects and operations, which exceeds…
President Ruto and former Farmers Party chair Nyakera when the party was joining the coalition. [Farmers Party] The Kenya Kwanza government has suffered yet another blow, with the Farmers Party becoming the latest to announce its intention to exit the coalition. Led by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, the Farmers Party has issued a 30-day notice signaling its plan to leave the coalition. According to Simon Kamangu, the party’s Secretary General, their decision stems from what he describes as patterns of dishonesty, political infidelity, and disregard for both the Constitution and the spirit of the coalition agreement. “The recent unilateral…
President William Ruto with his deputy, Kithure Kindiki. [PCS] President William Ruto has defended his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, saying he serves all Kenyans, not just Tharaka Nithi or Mt. Kenya. Speaking on the final day of his tour of the Mt Kenya region, Ruto commended Kindiki for his dedication, discipline, and focus on development. His remarks were widely seen as a veiled comparison to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “I’m grateful you allowed Prof Kindiki to come to work with me in serving the country. He is respectful, hardworking, and orderly.” ‘’The Deputy President is not a DP…
A Ghibli remake of a photo. [Sourced] Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace, with each new innovation pushing the boundaries of creativity. The latest sensation? AI-generated Ghibli-style art—a feature that has taken the internet by storm. What is Ghibli? Inspired by Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation studio behind classics like My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Princess Mononoke (1997), this new AI tool in ChatGPT-4 allows users to transform their photos into Ghibli-style illustrations. The feature generates dreamy, hand-drawn portraits reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s signature artistry—soft color palettes, whimsical worlds, and expressive characters. Users simply upload…
Hanna Cheptumo, new Gender CS nominee. [File, Standard] Hanna Wendot Cheptumo has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage. A lawyer and mother of three, Hanna is the widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo. Born in Baringo County, she played a pivotal role in managing the family’s legal practice alongside her late husband, a respected legal expert and leader. Before marrying the late Senator, Hanna worked at a government office in Nyayo House. Her appointment comes weeks after President William Ruto pledged to honor the legacy of her late husband, continuing…