Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Aug 24,2025
Page 1: Reports identify the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) under Renson Ingonga as the primary obstacle in Kenya’s fight against corruption. The office is accused of hindering justice through delayed prosecutions and the unexplained withdrawal of major cases. These actions have positioned the ODPP as the weakest link in the national anti-corruption effort.
Page 2: Reports highlight a looming crisis in Kenyan schools as they reopen, with head teachers demanding full fees from parents due to severe delays in government capitation funds. School administrators warn that without immediate funding, they will be unable to cover basic operations or prepare students for national examinations. This situation has created widespread anxiety and accusations that the government is gambling with children’s education.
Page 3: Reports detail the incredible resilience of a five-year-old elephant named Long’uro at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. After having his trunk torn off by hyenas, he has developed unique adaptations to survive, such as using his legs to bathe. His survival is a testament to his determination and the dedicated care he receives from his keepers.
Page 4: Reports indicate that despite being rescued, a follower of Paul Mackenzie’s Shakahola forest cult, Sharleen Temba, allegedly worked with the imprisoned pastor to regroup his followers. Mackenzie is accused of continuing to lead his cult from behind bars using illicit cell phones. Temba is now suspected of establishing a new cult site where 11 shallow mass graves have been discovered.
Page 5: Reports state that the long-running Anglo Leasing corruption case faces further delays after the Kamani brothers requested a stay of proceedings to appeal a ruling. In response, three former Permanent Secretaries who are co-accused have asked the court to separate their trial to avoid prolonged litigation. Their lawyer argued that a joint trial would deny his clients their right to a timely conclusion.
Page 6: Reports reveal that political goons, operating with impunity and police tacit approval, are increasingly used to terrorize citizens and stifle dissent in Kenya. These hired gangs have brazenly attacked protesters, opposition politicians, and journalists. The administration’s alleged use of this tactic has drawn condemnation and prompted a reassessment of Kenya’s foreign relationships.
Page 7: Reports confirm that the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) is set to be transformed into the Kenya School of Communication under new state-backed legislation. The proposed bill will repeal the 2011 order and replace it with a new corporate body with an expanded mandate. The new institution will have broader powers to offer advanced diplomas, postgraduate programs, and professional certification.
Page 8: Reports criticize the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) under Renson Ingonga as the weakest link in Kenya’s anti-corruption fight. Despite numerous files from the EACC implicating senior officials, the ODPP has delayed prosecution decisions and withdrawn cases. This inaction has stalled major cases involving abuse of office and embezzlement, risking a halt to justice.
Page 9: Reports show that despite President Ruto’s public commitment, the actions of the DPP under Renson Ingonga tell a different story. Ingonga has systematically moved to withdraw high-profile corruption cases against the President’s political allies. The most notable example is the withdrawal of a Sh7.4 billion graft case against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Page 10: Reports identify teenage pregnancy as a critical public health crisis in Kenya, being the leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19. Many pregnant teenagers hide their pregnancies out of shame, leading to delayed medical care and dangerous home deliveries. The situation is exacerbated by financial barriers, leaving thousands without access to essential health services.
Page 19: Reports describe a political caucus named “Jamil Imara Mashinani” engaging with locals in the Mt. Kenya region to counter the influence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Government officials involved in the initiative are facing direct public grievances over issues like poor roads and low milk prices. This strategy mirrors a historical tactic used by former President Daniel Moi.
Page 20: Reports indicate that despite a challenging domestic economy, Kenya’s top banks are seeing unprecedented profitability driven by their regional subsidiaries. Lenders now rely on their operations across East and Central Africa for more than a third of their earnings. This diversification cushions them against local market volatility as non-performing loans in Kenya continue to climb.
Page 24: Reports detail that Kenyan athletes Agnes Ngetich and Mercy Oketch dominated their events at the Brussels Diamond League meet. Ngetich won the women’s 5000m and Oketch took victory in the 400m, with both now focusing on the upcoming Tokyo World Championships. Attention now shifts to the final Diamond League showdown in Zurich.
Page 25: Reports confirm that Kenya recaptured the overall East Africa schools title by winning a total of 63 medals, ending Uganda’s four-year dominance. While Uganda won the secondary schools category, Kenya’s cumulative medal haul across all categories secured the overall championship. Tanzania was announced as the host for the 2026 games.
Page 28: Reports state that despite a heartbreaking quarterfinal exit on penalties to Madagascar, the Harambee Stars’ performance is viewed as positive progress for Kenyan football. The team lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in the African Nations Championship. Head coach Benni McCarthy emphasized he is proud of the team’s effort and insists the national team is on an upward trajectory.