Summary of The Standard Newspaper -July 29,2025
Page 1: Reports that Kenyans are being abducted, tortured, and abused abroad, with the government under President Ruto and Foreign Affairs CS Mudavadi failing to respond, sparking accusations of diplomatic negligence. Activists like Mwabili Mwagodi and Boniface Mwangi have been targeted, raising concerns about state complicity.
Page 2: Notes that Sabrina Wanjiku Simader, Kenya’s only alpine ski racer, may retire early due to financial neglect by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), despite self-funding her career for over a decade. NOC-K’s unmet promises have left her future in the sport uncertain.
Page 3: Highlights Kenya’s vibrant country music scene showcased at Nairobi’s International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day festival, featuring local stars like “Sir Elvis” Otieno. The event demonstrated the genre’s surprising popularity, blending classic and modern tunes for a devoted fanbase.
Page 4: Reiterates concerns over Kenyans facing abduction and abuse abroad, with the Ruto government criticized for inaction. Victims like Mwabili Mwagodi and Boniface Mwangi suffered in Tanzania, yet the state remains silent, fueling accusations of betrayal.
Page 5: Reports that six Kenyan police officers face fines or jail time for failing to testify in the murder trial of ex-officer Ahmed Rashid, accused of executing two teens in 2017. Justice Diana Kavedza ordered their appearance by July 31, 2025, or risk imprisonment.
Page 6: Reveals Kenya’s education funding crisis as the government admits inability to fully support public schools and universities, contradicting promises of free education. Treasury CS John Mbadi’s budget cuts clash with Ruto’s pledges, leaving parents and institutions in limbo.
Page 7: Criticizes Parliament for failing to secure education funding, with Treasury CS Mbadi slashing budgets while Deputy President Kindiki insists on continuity. Opposition leaders accuse MPs of neglecting oversight, favoring wasteful spending over constitutional rights.
Page 8: Accuses Kenya’s government of growing political intolerance after police blocked Opposition leaders from a Murang’a rally, signaling a return to authoritarian tactics against critics. Observers warn of repression reminiscent of past regimes.
Page 9: Describes Airbnb operator Jane Wairimu’s court testimony about discovering socialite Starlet Wahu’s bloodied body in a South B apartment. The accused, John Matara, allegedly fled wearing a blood-soaked towel, revealing chilling murder details.
Page 13: Explores Kenya’s Senate reviewing the Technopolis Bill (2024) to establish the country as a regional tech hub, building on its startup ecosystem. The bill advances Konza Technopolis Vision 2030, though challenges like high electricity costs persist.
Page 14: Exposes a pattern of state-sanctioned repression in East Africa, with activists like Mwabili Mwagodi and Boniface Mwangi tortured in Tanzania and Kenya. Critics urge public outcry to halt authoritarian drift and demand accountability.
Page 19: Details how poverty and gender roles force girls like 17-year-old Neema Charo in Kilifi to drop out of school, despite Kenya’s 100% transition policy. Systemic failures leave 47% of rural households in poverty, with only 14% of girls advancing to secondary school.
Page 20: Highlights Baringo County’s healthcare crisis, marked by equipment failures and negligence, exemplified by Joseph Lottwun’s death after a 12-hour wait. Governor Cheboi’s unmet reform promises force residents to seek care elsewhere.
Page 32: Examines Kenya’s plan to securitize Sh175 billion in fuel levies, drawing IMF scrutiny over transparency and fiscal risks. Legal experts warn it may bypass parliamentary oversight and violate debt sustainability principles.
Page 34: Reports that Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire after deadly border clashes killed 36 and displaced 200,000. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim brokered the truce, with military talks planned to solidify peace.
Page 45: Notes Kenyan runner Janeth Chepngetich’s strong podium prospects at the World Championships in Tokyo after dominating national trials. She joins world record holders Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Ngetich in a formidable 10,000m squad.
Page 45: Announces the 2025 KSSSA National Term Two games in Kakamega, featuring regional champions competing for FEASSSA East Africa slots. Defending teams and debutants clash in events like boys’ football at Mumias Sports Complex.
Page 46: States Morocco’s Atlas Lions arrived in Nairobi as favorites for a third African Nations Championship (Chan) title. Co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the tournament serves as a test run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.