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
Author: By Ronald Kipruto
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…