Summary Of The Daily Nation Newspaper -Aug 19,2025
Page 1: Reports that the inaugural joint meeting of Kenya’s ruling coalition and ODM MPs ended in controversy as President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga clashed over issues of corruption and misuse of CDF funds, prompting a premature adjournment. The tense atmosphere was highlighted by Ruto’s vow to arrest corrupt lawmakers and Raila’s insistence on removing MPs from managing CDF resources, with the meeting held at the KGB Leadership Centre in Nairobi.
Page 2: Reports that Kenya’s Health Ministry has suspended approvals for overseas medical treatment for 30 days, leaving hundreds of patients in crisis, including some stranded abroad, as the government finalizes a new framework. The move, announced by Health CS Aden Duale, halts access to a $h500,000 treatment package under the Social Health Authority, sparking outcry from doctors and advocacy groups who warn it endangers vulnerable patients reliant on specialized care abroad. While Duale highlighted Kenya’s progress in offering advanced procedures locally, critics argue the abrupt suspension disregards patients already undergoing treatment overseas, particularly in affordable destinations like India.
Page 3: Reports that Brian Lian, a 25-year-old man of Kenyan and Chinese descent, endured years of isolation and identity struggles due to being called “Mzungu” or “Mehina” while growing up in rural Kenya, unaware of his father’s whereabouts. Determined to find his Chinese father, Lian spent years searching online and even sought help from a foreign tracing agency, but financial constraints as a student halted his efforts. His emotional journey highlights the challenges of mixed heritage and the longing for familial connection, as he continues his studies at the University of Nainoli while clinging to hope of reuniting with his father.
Page 4: Notes that a joint Parliamentary Group meeting between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga turned chaotic as both leaders condemned rampant bribery in Parliament, provoking heckling and walkouts by angry MPs. The tension escalated when Raila criticized lawmakers’ involvement in managing constituency funds, while Ruto accused some of pocketing millions to pass bills, further eroding public trust in the institution.
Page 6: Reports that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return to Kenya is set to reignite opposition politics amid speculation of his potential arrest over controversial remarks made abroad and heightened resistance from President Ruto’s allies in Mt Kenya. His arrival, marked by planned rallies, comes as security agencies crack down on opposition gatherings and Ruto loyalists intensify efforts to undermine Gachagua’s influence through development promises and delegations.
Page 7: Reports that former Siaya County Assembly Clerk Felix Olwero was fatally shot while responding to a burglary attempt at his bar, White House Resort in Kisumu, after mistaking armed men later revealed to be assailants for thieves. Witnesses described how one attacker fired a warning shot before killing Olwero point-blank, leaving his guards traumatized as local authorities confirmed the late-night incident amid ongoing security concerns in the area.
Page 10: Reports that teachers’ unions and junior school educators are pushing for full administrative autonomy for junior schools, arguing that their current placement under primary school structures limits professional growth and recognition. The Kenya Association of Junior School Teachers and Kuppet, representing over 50,000 tutors, are demanding the new learning level be treated as a distinct tier in the education system to address these systemic challenges.
Page 12: Reports that Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned increasing cyberbullying against judges, warning that coordinated social media attacks threaten judicial independence and aim to intimidate the courts into favoring special interests. Speaking at a judges’ colloquium in Mombasa, she emphasized the need to protect the judiciary’s moral authority, urging critics to engage constructively with legal processes rather than undermining public trust in the justice system.
Page 21: Notes that former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has begun mobilizing grassroots support in Mt Kenya for his 2027 presidential bid, reviving old Jubilee and PNU political networks. His campaign launch in Meru County, backed by PNU leader Peter Munya, signals a strategic push to secure the region’s crucial voter base through direct engagement and consultations.
Page 22: Notes that Kisumu’s deadly Coptic roundabout, linked to 35 fatalities since 2022, is being demolished by China Railway Tenth Group after recent vandalism, with authorities rushing to redesign the hazardous junction. Local leaders, including MPs Aduma Owuor and Roza Buyu, claimed credit for pushing the project, with Buyu personally overseeing the overnight demolition to prevent further tragedies like the recent Nyakach accident.
Page 24: Reports that Israel’s planned ground offensive in Gaza City has triggered mass evacuations as Palestinian civilians flee eastern areas under heavy bombardment, while tens of thousands of Israelis protest against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy, demanding a hostage deal. The escalating crisis has prompted intensified ceasefire mediation by Egypt and Qatar, with fears that an armored incursion could displace hundreds of thousands of already traumatized civilians in the war-torn enclave.
Page 25: Reports that four state-owned sugar millers Chemelil, Muhoroni, Sony, and Nzoia have been leased to private firms for 30 years, with all 5,000+ employees facing redundancy as new management takes over. While the Agriculture PS assured workers would receive full entitlements, tensions loom as the government has yet to settle Sh5.23 billion in unpaid arrears, leaving uncertainty about whether these debts will be included in severance packages.
Page 34: Reports that St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale and Tigoi Girls dominated at the FEASSSA Games, with Tigoi crushing Uganda’s Namagunga 13-0 in a lopsided hockey match featuring hat-tricks and multi-goal performances. Coach Moses Erima emphasized their relentless pursuit of gold in the round-robin tournament, while another girls’ match saw Kakungu fall 1-0 to Ntare in a tighter contest.