Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Aug 20,2025
Page 1: Reports that President Ruto is accused of hypocrisy for criticizing MPs for corruption while his own administration is mired in major scandals. His failure to fulfill anti-corruption promises and his allies’ patronage politics reveal a government deeply engaged in the vice it condemns. The criticism exposes a disconnect between his rhetoric and his administration’s actions.
Page 2: Reports that a five-year-old boy’s life-saving heart surgery was canceled after the Ministry of Health suspended overseas medical travel support, causing a donor to withdraw. His family, which had secured all necessary clearances and air tickets, is now left in despair without the funds for the operation. The donor has reallocated the committed money to other patients, leaving the boy in grave danger.
Page 3: Reports that a court has summoned Government Chief Pathologist Johansen Oduor to testify in the inquest into the mysterious death of Jeff Mwathi after he failed to appear. A witness testified that on the night he died, Mwathi was in extreme distress, crying and threatening suicide with a knife. His death occurred during a party at a residence linked to DJ Fatxo after a night out.
Page 4: Report that the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is facing early political pressure and challenges to his eligibility to be a running mate in the 2027 elections. The tension became public when Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah warned him to “speak well” to secure his future. This highlights the power struggles that have historically defined the office of Kenya’s Deputy President.
Page 6: Notes that President Ruto’s admission of parliamentary corruption is criticized as insincere political theater meant to deflect from more severe graft within his own Executive branch. Data shows corruption is more prevalent in the government he leads than in the legislature, and the MPs he accuses are from his own coalition. Analysts accuse him of failing to combat corruption and attempting to shift blame from his administration’s scandals.
Page 7: The chair of the Justice Committee, Gitonga Murugara, has publicly rejected President Ruto’s claim that its members received a Sh10 million bribe. Murugara categorically denied the committee solicited or received any inducement and challenged the President to name the MPs and bribe-givers involved. This confrontation has reignited concerns over parliamentary integrity and its independence from executive influence.
Page 8: Reports that Senators are threatening to use constitutional powers to summon President Ruto to Parliament to explain his corruption allegations. They accused the Speakers of failing to defend Parliament’s dignity against attacks from the President and opposition leader Raila Odinga. The senators warned the Speakers they risk losing their positions if they continue to fail in their duty to protect the Houses.
Page 9: Reports that the Auditor General uncovered irregular payments and inflated costs at Kenya Power totaling Sh49.2 billion, including purchasing diesel at 205 percent above budget. The audit also revealed nearly Sh1 billion in interest penalties and excessively high payments to power producers. Other findings include unexplained loans, undervalued land, and irregular staff payments, exposing significant financial mismanagement.
Page 10: Notes that the Auditor General questioned Sh4.8 billion in avoidable interest payments by donor-funded projects due to delayed invoice settlements. A significant portion stemmed from the Covid-19 vaccine deal and major road infrastructure projects. The audit also found Sh1.8 billion in ineligible expenditures, including funds spent before financing agreements were signed.
Page 11: Reports that Former Siaya County Assembly Clerk Felix Isaac Olvero was tragically shot and killed by police who mistook him for an intruder at his own resort. His career was marred by controversy, including a suspension over allegations that Sh2.9 million disappeared from a car loan fund. His death brings a sudden end to a life marked by professional promise, scandal, and legal battles.
Page 16: Reports that the Public universities are reopening amidst a severe financial crisis, leaving students uncertain of new tuition fees after a government-mandated reduction. Continuing students face delayed registration and withheld exam results as institutions insist on full fee payments. Lecturers are also withholding results in a go-slow protest, preventing students from registering and securing accommodation.
Page 17: Notes that the government is introducing a new bill to restore Parliament’s power to scrutinize the privatization of state-owned entities, a role removed by a previous, nullified act. The new bill aims to give MPs oversight and ensure constitutional provisions are met after criticism that the old process excluded public participation. This shift comes as the Treasury prepares to begin its privatization program.
Page 19: Reports that the Former US President Donald Trump announced he will lead a movement to eliminate mail-in balloting, falsely claiming it risks election integrity. Critics warn this would strip voting rights from millions of Americans, including those with disabilities, who rely on mail ballots. His campaign spreads misinformation about the system, despite him using it and there being no evidence it is less secure.
Page 27: Reports that the Eighteen-year-old Phanuel Koech is set to make his debut for Kenya in the 1500m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. The prodigy, who shattered the World Under-20 record, will team up with seasoned champions Timothy Cheruiyot and Reynold Cheruiyot. Confident from flawless training, he promises to pull out all the stops to make his country proud in Tokyo.
Page 30: Reports that Kenya’s Harambee Stars are unbeaten and have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship. They can only meet regional rivals Tanzania or Uganda in the final, as their tournament paths are separated until then. Their immediate challenge is a quarter-final match against Madagascar in Nairobi.
Page 32: Reports that Harambee Stars midfielder Boniface Muchiri, crucial to Kenya’s CHAN run, was raised by a single mother in Busia County. His journey was nurtured by his high school principal, who became his mentor and helped secure his first contract. He is profoundly grateful to his mother, his mentor, and coach Benni McCarthy for the opportunity to elevate his career.