Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Aug 31,2025
Page 1: Reports detail President William Ruto’s strategy to fracture the Mt. Kenya voting bloc, sparking a power struggle with his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who is rallying for unity. The political landscape is further complicated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-emergence to hand over the Jubilee Party’s leadership, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki faces a dilemma between national loyalty and local support. With by-elections approaching, this battle for the region’s political soul is entering a decisive phase that will shape the 2027 general election.
Page 2: Reports reveal that victims of a major organ trafficking scandal in Eldoret are suffering from post-surgery complications and have accused authorities, particularly the police and DCI, of abandoning them and failing to dismantle the criminal syndicate. They testified to a parliamentary health committee that the sophisticated racket, which may have been operating since 2017, used smooth-talking brokers to dupe hundreds, if not thousands, of Kenyans into selling their kidneys. The scandal took a new twist as frail victims came forward to detail their ordeal and the government’s inaction.
Page 3: Reports describe the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in arid northern Kenya as an oasis of hope where orphaned elephant calves are rescued from drought, poaching, and conflict. The sanctuary is pioneering a quiet revolution by employing members of the local Samburu community, with women supplying goat milk to keep the calves alive. This community-led conservation model not only cares for the elephants with compassion but also empowers the people by providing a source of income, successfully rewilding 23 animals so far.
Page 4: Reports detail the 2012 murder of Venezuela’s newly posted ambassador to Kenya, Olga Fonseca Giménez de Pimental, who was found strangled in her Nairobi home just twelve days after her arrival. The killing, which caused an international scandal, was allegedly orchestrated by a power struggle within the embassy, where an acting diplomat aided by a shadowy figure was unwilling to surrender control. Despite a suspect, Mohammed Ahmed Hassan, being named by witnesses, he has never been traced amid unverified claims that he is in Kenya under the protection of high-ranking state officials.
Page 6: Reports outline President Ruto’s strategy to divide the Mt. Kenya vote by encouraging a breakaway movement in Kiambu County to secure 1.2 million votes for his 2027 re-election bid. This has sparked a complex power struggle, with former DP Rigathi Gachagua advocating for regional unity while former President Uhuru Kenyatta maneuvers to hand the Jubilee Party’s leadership to Fred Matiang’i. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is caught in the middle, facing a dilemma where backing the split could cost him his home support but opposing it might jeopardize his national position.
Page 7: Reports indicate that Kericho Governor Eric Mutai survived a second impeachment attempt after the Senate voted 26 to 16 to terminate the proceedings. The outcome was influenced by political intrigues and a desire among senators to project an image of independence, particularly following President Ruto’s recent criticism that they are easily bribed during such trials. Analysts suggest Ruto’s comments were a calculated move to manipulate public perception and pressure the Senate, forcing legislators to deliberately extend the trial to demonstrate thorough and objective deliberation.
Page 8: Reports describe a deteriorating relationship between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and the County Assembly, with MCAs accusing his administration of failing to deliver on its promises. Key issues include uncollected garbage choking estates, a struggling health sector, unresolved education problems, and persistent congestion as hawkers flood the city center. The governor, once seen as a hopeful leader, is now blamed for misplaced priorities and silence, with abandoned projects like new market stalls having been repurposed into public toilets, worsening the city’s sanitation crisis.
Page 11: Reports detail a dramatic court session in Nakuru where Christopher Rotich, a victim of an alleged Sh1 billion education scam, lost his composure while testifying against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and other officials. Rotich, who called the accused thieves for allegedly stealing his Sh17 million, became frustrated and insolent when questioned by the defense lawyer, refusing to answer and even retorting with rude replies. The presiding magistrate ultimately found Rotich guilty of criminal contempt of court for his behavior and insolence during the proceedings.
Page 20: Reports indicate that the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyan Export Processing Zone (EPZ) workers are in jeopardy as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a 25-year-old U.S. trade pact allowing duty-free exports, is set to expire without a new deal in sight. This expiration, compounded by new U.S. tariffs, threatens to block billions of shillings worth of Kenyan goods and cripple the nation’s textile and apparel sector, which is valued at over $737 million. Despite frantic last-ditch efforts by the Kenyan government, the silence from both nations has left a key U.S. ally in Africa in economic limbo, caught between the end of a benevolent trade agreement and the harsh realities of protectionist U.S. trade policies.
Page 23: Reports detail Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) defeating defending champions Equity Bank Hawks 63-53 in a Women’s Premier League semi-final basketball game, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. Led by Ivorian star Alima Doumbia with 15 points, KPA capitalized on home advantage to dominate the match and now stand one win away from securing a finals berth. Equity faces an elimination game today, where a loss would end their reign as champions, while KPA aims to close out the series and focus on recapturing the trophy they lost last season.
Page 24: Reports profile golfer Adrian Ongwae, who transitioned from an accomplished hockey player to a dedicated golfer almost a decade ago after being introduced to the sport by a friend. Starting at a handicap of 28, he has since improved dramatically to a personal best of 10, amassing wins and playing memorable rounds at prestigious courses across Kenya. Despite his success and becoming a pillar of the golfing community in Western Kenya, the elusive hole-in-one remains a feat that has continued to taunt him.
Page 25: Reports confirm that Morocco are the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) champions after defeating Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium. Coming from behind, the Atlas Lions secured their third Chan title thanks to a brace from Man of the Match Oussama Lamlioui, who also won the Golden Boot. This victory adds to Morocco’s previous wins in 2018 and 2020, solidifying their status as the most successful nation in the history of the tournament.