Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Aug 1,2025
Page 1: Reports that a legal battle is escalating against top Kenyan officials accused of crimes against humanity for violently cracking down on Gen Z protesters. Presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame is petitioning the court to hold security chiefs accountable for over 100 deaths, arguing the atrocities violate national values and warrant ICC prosecution.
Page 2: Notes that a Kenyan citizen, Felix Kibet, is suing social media platform X and the Communications Authority for failing to curb harmful content like pornography and hate speech. X and the CA deny wrongdoing, citing existing safety measures, while Kibet claims the platform enables fake accounts and privacy violations.
Page 3: States that Vincent Korir, a school driver, had his 25-year defilement sentence increased to life imprisonment after appellate judges upheld earlier rulings. Korir was convicted for defiling a 6-year-old girl in 2018, with courts emphasizing the severity of the crime despite multiple appeals.
Page 4: Highlights that Kenya has slashed university fees by up to 50% to ease financial burdens, but vice chancellors warn the cuts, coupled with delayed government funding, threaten public universities already struggling with Sh85 billion in debt.
Page 6: Reveals that activist Reuben Kigame is seeking to privately prosecute Interior CS Murkomen and police chiefs over alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024-2025 Gen Z protests, citing over 100 deaths and 400 injuries documented by rights groups.
Page 7: Details that over 14 petitions accuse the Kenyan government of violent crackdowns on Gen Z protesters, with activists alleging DPP inaction and demanding accountability for extrajudicial killings and torture, possibly at the ICC.
Page 8: Reports that Stephen Munyakho, freed after 15 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, expressed remorse for a fatal altercation over unpaid wages, apologizing to the victim’s family and seeking forgiveness.
Page 9: Notes Kenya’s protest against Tanzania’s new restrictions on foreign small-scale businesses, calling it a violation of EAC trade protocols, while Tanzania defends the move as protection for local entrepreneurs.
Page 12: States that the High Court overturned an acquittal in the Sh3.5 billion Anglo Leasing scandal, ordering businessmen and ex-officials to defend themselves against corruption charges over security equipment procurement irregularities.
Page 13: Highlights Opposition criticism of President Ruto’s securitisation financing model, calling it unconstitutional and demanding an audit, while Ruto defends it as innovative and reducing foreign debt reliance.
Page 18: Reports Canada’s plan to recognize Palestine at the 2025 UN General Assembly, joining France and the UK, sparking backlash from Israel and the U.S., while conditioning the move on Palestinian reforms.
Page 20: Notes surprise selections in Kenya’s 2025 World Championships marathon team, with top runners like Wanjiru and Obiri opting for other races, raising questions about selection dynamics.
Page 29: Details Kenya’s Harambee Stars’ Chan campaign opener against DR Congo, with coach Benni McCarthy emphasizing mental resilience as the team aims to capitalize on home support.
Page 32: Highlights 19-year-old Austin Odongo’s rapid rise from high school to Harambee Stars’ Chan squad, with the Shabana FC striker eager to make his national team debut.