Today is Sat, 12 Jul 2025
Executive Walkway![]()
Rising Tensions Ahead of Saba Saba Protests as Political Support Grows
As President Ruto returns from his official visit to Spain and the United Kingdom, the country is bracing for potential unrest this Monday,July 7 (Saba Saba). Following the nationwide protests on June 25, 2025, a series of political and social developments have intensified public sentiment and built momentum for another wave of demonstrations.
Saba Saba is a historically significant date in Kenya, marking the pro-democracy movement that led to the reintroduction of multiparty politics. Recent events have reignited its symbolic power.
Calls for justice gained traction during the funeral of Albert Ojwang last Friday, where mourners urged nationwide action on Saba Saba. This followed the confirmed death of Boniface Kairuki, a hacker who was fatally shot during the June protests. Political actors are increasingly positioning themselves around the protests. Notably, Safina Party Leader Jimi Wanjigi and other amorphous groups have expressed visible support, pointing to a broader political realignment and rising opportunism around the Saba Saba demonstrations.
Parliamentary Aisle![]()
Senate Returns to Firestorms: Impeachment and CDF Bill Top Agenda
The Senate resumes from recess with a number of high-stakes issues on its agenda, starting with the impeachment proceedings against Hon. Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, Governor of Isiolo County, who is set to appear before the Upper House for a three-day hearing.
The Senate had to interrupt its recess to convene a special sitting to consider the motion. While some members had preferred the matter be investigated by a special committee, this proposal was overruled. As a result, this Tuesday’s plenary session will serve as a critical litmus test for whether Governor Abdi Hassan can survive the impeachment proceedings.
In addition, the Senate will consider the controversial Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, also known as the CDF Bill, which seeks to entrench the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund into the Constitution. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Otiende Amollo, was passed unanimously by the National Assembly and now moves to the Senate where it has already drawn criticism from members such as Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has vowed to oppose it.
Corridors ofJustice![]()
Court to Hear Spyware Claim Against State House Officials, Blogger Death Petition
The hearing of a compensation claim involving an alleged spyware deal is set for this Monday. Kenyan-Canadian businesswoman Janet Wacuka is suing over a failed $950,430 contract to supply spyware software, which she claims was commissioned by State House communications officials including President William Ruto’s speechwriter Eric Ng’eno and businessman Jaysh Saini. Ms. Wacuka alleges that after acquiring the software from an American company, the officials backed out of the deal.
Separately, on Thursday, the court will hear a petition seeking the private prosecution of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat over the alleged arrest, torture, and subsequent death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, representing the Mt. Kenya Jurists, argues that Ojwang’s arrest by DCI officers on June 6, 2025, was linked to social media posts implicating the DIG in corruption.
Talking of Which![]()
ICTA Fibre Optic Standards up for public participation
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority is reviewing the First Edition Standard for Fiber Optic Backbone, Metro, and Last Mile Infrastructure and has developed standards for Public Wi-Fi. These standards will be accessible on https://www.icta.go.ke.
The fiber optic standards will apply to all entities in Kenya, including both private and public organizations. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by 14th July 2025 at 12:00 noon via email to standards@ict.go.ke.
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The 2025 BRICS Summit
The 2025 BRICS Summit, the seventeenth annual gathering, is set to conclude this Monday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For the first time, the founding BRICS members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have been joined by the full cohort of new BRICS+ members: Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
The summit comes at a tense geopolitical moment following recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran. This development marks the first real test for the expanded BRICS coalition, which positions itself as a platform for emerging economies to push for more inclusive global governance. Host country Brazil is expected to reaffirm its leadership in advancing this agenda.
Ahead of the summit, BRICS foreign ministers met in Rio de Janeiro on 28 and 29 April 2025. While the meeting did not result in a joint communiqué, ministers voiced concern over the global rise in protectionist trade policies.
MovingUp![]()
Standard Group Appoints Chaacha Mwita as Ag.CEO
The Standard Group has named Chaacha Mwita as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2025, following the departure of Ms. Marion Gathoga-Mwangi. Additionally, Mr. Mwita has been appointed as an Executive Director on the Board.
According to a Board notice from Company Secretary Millicent Ngetich, Mr. Mwita’s appointment follows Ms. Gathoga-Mwangi’s resignation on June 30. The Board highlighted that his impressive track record as a journalist and media leader will enhance the organization’s efforts to revitalize its journalism and independence.
Mr. Mwita joined the Standard Group in April 2025 as the Group Chief Executive Editor and has played a key role in advancing the company’s 2025-2027 strategy. He has led the reorientation of content strategy across all platforms and helped refine the business model. His professional achievements include conducting in-depth media assessments in several African countries, including Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, and Uganda, as well as holding leadership roles at the Standard Group (including Editorial Director and Board member), Nation Media Group, Aga Khan Foundation, African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), and the Thompson Foundation in London.
Academically, Mr. Mwita holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) and a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism. He also earned an MBA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and has completed executive development programs at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Luxembourg.