[Collins Oduor,Standard]Kenya closes the year stranded at a crossroads—hungry for change, yet hesitant to claim it. Citizens watch as windows of participation swing open, yet we remain spectators. The doors of change close because we do not walk through them, nor do we know how to prop them open. We know how to be Kenyans—but few know how to be Kenyans who change Kenya. Each year offers a chance to recalibrate, reflect, and decide what kind of nation we will be.
President William Ruto. The nation has been treated to a cacophony of discordant sounds that no political actor could turn into melodious political music. Not President William Ruto, former Opposition leader Raila Odinga, nor the persons in the Opposition space could turn the clatter in the political space into a useful political melody. As the country orbits towards 2026, a year often ignored in conversations in preference for 2027, the ambiguity persists. Which way Kenya, as 2026 knocks at the door?
Fans have fallen in love with the forgotten noughties crime series, The CopsCrime drama lovers have been raving about this forgotten 1990s police drama, which fans have been watching on repeat. The 1998 crime drama, The Cops, is a gritty police series renowned for its groundbreaking, documentary-style plot and raw portrayal of life as a police officer. The series was primarily filmed in the heart of Bolton, Greater Manchester, and took home two consecutive BAFTAs for Best Drama Series in 1999 and 2000. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT They added: "Who else would have the nerve and ingenuity to kick off a new police drama with a PC snorting Class A in a toilet cubicle? Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTThe three-series show scooped up two BAFTAs for Best Drama Series in 1999 and 2000
President William Ruto, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, KNUT Chairman Patrick Karinga (right) and KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba during a meeting with over 10,000 teachers at State House, Nairobi. [PCS]As we close 2025 and begin the New Year, it is worth pondering what makes us tick as a nation. At the moment we are at a turning point in our political economy. On the political front, we are turning the page on how politicians mobilise voters. Which is to say politicians who choose to only play ethnic census politics will lose badly moving forward.
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1 / 112025 has been an exciting year for web series lovers, with plenty of new shows streaming on OTT platforms. Many series have received rave reviews from both critics and viewers, making them the top rated shows of the year. Here’s a look at the top rated OTT web series of 2025 that you shouldn’t miss. 6 / 11Inspired by the real life experiences of former Tihar jailer Sunil Gupta, this Netflix crime drama emerged as one of the year’s biggest surprises. 9 / 11Following its historic International Emmy win for Season 1, Netflix’s Delhi Crime returned with a third season that raised the stakes.
Harmonize and Frida Kajala were seen kissing, three years after they parted ways. What did Harmonize and Frida Kajala do? Frida Kajala and Harmonize parted ways in December 2022. Photo: Harmonize, Frida Kajala. Following their final breakup in late 2022, Kajala moved on and even at one point hinted at dating a Kenyan politician.
Raychelle Dorothy Syamba. [Courtesy]What was meant to be a journey home after a graduation celebration ended in tragedy when 38-year-old legal officer Raychelle Dorothy Syamba was found murdered hours after arriving in Bondo town. Syamba had attended a graduation ceremony at Kabarak University on Friday before travelling back via Kisumu, arriving in Bondo at around 10pm. She then hired a boda boda rider to take her to her parents’ home in Got Agulu, but never arrived. Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Christopher Omulele described Syamba as a true testament to dedication and professionalism.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi hints at referendum in 2027 27th December, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended his proposal to hold a referendum alongside the 2027 general election, warning that failure to conduct constituency boundary delimitation within the constitutional eight-to-twelve-year window could render the polls null and void. Speaking during the Maragoli Cultural Festival in Vihiga County, Mudavadi said the process is a constitutional requirement that cannot be ignored without serious legal consequences.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Yet, despite their long service, some retire without the full pension benefits, allowances, or gratuities they were promised. For these teachers, decades of commitment seem to vanish into bureaucracy and mismanagement. One of the primary reasons teachers retire empty-handed is delayed or mismanaged pension payments. While strikes aim to compel the government to fulfill its obligations, they often delay the very benefits teachers are fighting for. Retired teachers, once respected pillars of their communities, may face neglect or even social marginalization due to financial incapacity.
Photo pennlivenews.comInspections also flagged substandard healthcare, poor infection control, and mismanaged medical records, earning the facility a one-star rating. Records show that in 2024, the facility was fined more than Ksh53 million due to repeated health violations. The late Nduthu was among two people killed after a suspected natural gas explosion triggered a fire at the Bristol Township Health and Rehabilitation Centre on Tuesday, December 23. Police also confirmed that a second explosion occurred as firefighters were conducting rescue operations, complicating the response and ultimately leading to the death of the Kenyan nurse. Following her death, the Kenyan Nurses Association in the United States and back in Kenya is calling for accountability and justice.
It’s a complex one, as you know, but we’re working on it,” Trump said when asked whether his administration would follow Israel’s lead on Somaliland. Netanyahu’s Push and Trump’s Cautious ResponseNetanyahu had earlier held a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, during which he described Israel’s recognition as a diplomatic breakthrough. According to Netanyahu, he planned to relay Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords to President Trump, positioning the region within Israel’s broader Middle East normalization framework. Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, popularly known as Farmaajo, similarly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Uncertain Path AheadWhile Israel’s decision has shifted diplomatic conversations around Somaliland, Trump’s cautious response suggests that US recognition is far from guaranteed.
Wiper Democratic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka flanked by other opposition leaders,during a media briefing in Karen on November 20,2025.They alleged Government's plot to rig the coming by-elections,voter bribery and lack of transparency by IEBC in procurement of voting materials. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]Opposition chief Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is puffing and huffing. As William Shakespeare would put it, the former vice-president’s veins now run molten fire. A single political taunt by President William Ruto over the poor state of roads in Tseikuru, Kitui County, has taken the wind out of the Wiper leader.
In SummaryComoros and Zambia played out the first 0-0 draw of the 2025 tournament, ending a streak of 13 consecutive matches where at least one goal was scored. The result leaves Group A wide open, forcing Zambia into a “must-win” situation against hosts Morocco, while Comoros needs a victory over Mali to keep their dreams alive. The smallest nation in the tournament, Comoros, proved they are no pushovers by holding the 2012 champions, Zambia, to a scoreless draw in Casablanca. Zambia struggled to create clear chances, extending a disappointing winless run in the competition that has lasted over a decade. Comoros must defeat Mali in Casablanca to have any chance of progressing, likely as one of the best third-placed teams.
