Summary of The Standard Newspaper Roundup-July 26,2025
Page 1: Reports that Kenyan activist Mwabili Mwagodi was abducted in Tanzania under suspicious circumstances, echoing similar cases like Boniface Mwangi. Witnesses claim Tanzanian authorities seized CCTV footage, raising fears of a cross-border crackdown on dissent, with #FreeMwabiliMwagodi demanding accountability.
Page 2 : Notes that tenants at Nairobi’s New Mukuru Boma Yangu Estate face hardships due to missing furniture and broken lifts, leaving some homeless. Elderly diabetic Wainaina Mwangi was locked out of his unit, used as a show house, while the Affordable Housing Board blames procurement delays but promises resolution in three weeks.
Page 3 : Reports that Mugithi artist and police officer Samidoh was granted anticipatory bail to avoid arrest upon returning from a U.S. tour, despite having official leave. A judge ruled his freedom was at risk after an arrest warrant was issued while he was abroad for his child’s graduation.
Page 4 : Notes that activist Mwabili Mwagodi, a critic of President Ruto, was abducted in Tanzania, with witnesses alleging state involvement and suppression of CCTV evidence. His family was reportedly threatened, and his #CleanTheAltar campaign against church corruption had drawn scrutiny from Kenyan security agencies.
Page 5 : Reports that ODM leader Raila Odinga defended Edwin Sifuna’s right to criticize the party’s MoU with UDA, even as Luo Nyanza leaders reaffirmed support for the Ruto alliance. The rift highlights growing tensions within ODM over its partnership with Ruto’s administration.
Page 6 : Notes notes that the Senate is pushing for constitutional amendments to gain equal powers with the National Assembly in budget-making and appointments. Key proposals include joint approval of fiscal bills and removing mediation for revenue disputes, shifting Kenya’s legislative balance.
Page 7 : Reports that Kenya’s National Assembly is considering granting enforcement powers to the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget to penalize non-compliant institutions. Proposed reforms aim to enhance financial oversight, with increased funding and stricter reporting deadlines.
Page 8 : Notes that Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is advocating for fully electronic elections to eliminate spoilt ballots, while the IEBC defends its hybrid system as constitutional. The debate centers on improving election integrity.
Page 9 : Reports that a Independent Investigate Committee accused the KMPDC of failing to regulate organ transplants, particularly in the Mediheal kidney scandal. The report calls for stricter oversight and new laws to prevent abuses.
Page 11 : Notes that Narok MCAs are protesting a court ruling granting Livingston Ntutu control of Maasai community land, calling it an illegal grab. They accuse the County Attorney of failing to defend public interests and demand government intervention.
Page 17 : Reports that Kenya’s cashew production has dropped 30% since 2019 due to pests and climate challenges, despite new investments. Coastal counties are attempting revival efforts, but market fragmentation hinders recovery.
Page 22 : Notes that De La Rue’s Kenyan currency printing operations collapsed after losing its CBK contract, causing revenue drops. The CBK faces scrutiny for awarding a Sh15 billion tender to Giesecke+Devrient without competitive bidding.
Page 28 : Reports that the 2025 National Sevens Circuit kicks off in Mombasa, with Kabras Sugar RFC leading Group B. The tournament features competitive groups, including Kenya Harlequins and KCB RFC, in its opening leg.