Integrity, good economy and freedoms crucial for a 'happy' nation

Active and vigilant citizens must continue to monitor and expose the unfinished health centres, extravagant prestige buildings, trips abroad and allowances for loyalists.

By Irungu Houghton 1 month ago

Protest policing must now change after judgment on police brutality

Investigations into the culpability of specific officers and commanders must be concluded.

By Irungu Houghton 1 month ago

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What Mudavadi must seek while in Moscow for trapped Kenyans

As CS Musalia Mudavadi heads to Moscow, he faces the urgent task of addressing the trafficking of Kenyan recruits to fight in Ukraine and protecting citizens abroad.

By Irungu Houghton 1 month ago

Kenya does not lack resources, it lacks a prudent spending culture

A quick read suggests that while the government does not lack money, it lacks consequences for intentionally deepening debt and impunity in our name.

By Irungu Houghton 2 months ago

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How the Cybercrime Act is being used to stifle political opponents

Recent court cases involving activist Mwabili Mwagodi and student David Oaga Mokaya have renewed scrutiny over alleged misuse of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to suppress political dissent.

By Irungu Houghton 2 months ago

Greedy developers and corrupt county leaders killing our cities

This week's Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) ruling in the case of Coldstone Investment Ltd Vs Khaleej Towers Ltd created a buzz in my home

By Irungu Houghton 2 months ago

Why the Cabinet must fast track Baraza team's proposals on GBV

Gender based violence currently costs Kenya Sh46 billion annually in health expenses, legal processes and productivity losses.

By Irungu Houghton 3 months ago

Public trust in data governance crucial to Kenya's digital future

Kenyans can be proud that the six-year-old Data Protection Act remains far superior to any legislation in Africa or those in older digital economies like the United States.

By Irungu Houghton 3 months ago

US broke the law by abducting, charging Maduro

The US violated the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force.

By Irungu Houghton 3 months ago

We need fair and clear system of paying victims of State injustices

Government toxicology reports demonstrate that the blood of villagers contained 420 micro grams of lead, 800 times what is considered safe for human beings.

By Irungu Houghton 3 months ago

How Nick Rambo told stories of the unheard through bold films

Unlike many, Nick filmed not only to explain our world but to offer the silenced a voice and to protect the truth.

By Irungu Houghton 4 months ago

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Arrest of Turkish citizen has put Kenya under the microscope again

Diplomacy must not cloak transnational repression, and extradition must never become a tool to hunt those fleeing political persecution.

By Irungu Houghton 4 months ago

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Human rights violations happen when citizens choose to be silent

Once again, human rights violations scarred many lives and tested our national conscience over 2025.

By Irungu Houghton 4 months ago

New ruling on safe abortion paves way to lower maternal deaths

The ruling stems back to a ban arbitrarily placed on reproductive health care services provided by Marie Stopes International Kenya.

By Irungu Houghton 4 months ago

How latest ruling on safe abortion will help address maternal deaths

A High Court ruling this week declaring safe abortion a constitutional right has massive implications for hundreds of thousands of women and girls with unintended pregnancies.

By Irungu Houghton 4 months ago

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There's no shame for an abused man to seek justice and healing

The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence ended on Wednesday, which was also International Human Rights Day.

By Irungu Houghton 4 months ago

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Let KNCHR lead compensation bid for police brutality victims

After months of a court stay, the President's Panel of Experts to compensate victims of state violence during public protests has been struck down.

By Irungu Houghton 5 months ago

Kenya Kwanza must review the tax regime for hustlers to thrive

Oxfam's report goes beyond criticism. It offers practical policy solutions that could rescue Kenya Kwanza's vision if implemented.

By Irungu Houghton 5 months ago

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Unchecked State surveillance curtails freedom of expression

The release of two investigative reports into technology-enabled state surveillance and violence against critics of the state reminds us of a disturbing reality.

By Irungu Houghton 5 months ago

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Upcoming by-elections offer big test for stakeholders in 2027 race

The 27th November by-elections have all the signs of a mini general election.

By Irungu Houghton 5 months ago

Tanzania's political instability risks spreading in the region

The escalation of repression by Tanzania against the public, journalists and human rights defenders sadly seems to be extending even to those without a voice or a vote.

By Irungu Houghton 6 months ago

To honour Raila, we must defend human rights, uphold rule of law

Described by his old friend Prof Anyang' Nyong'o as "the return of the lion to the mountain," Raila Amolo Odinga's death has left Kenya transfixed and in deep reflection.

By Irungu Houghton 6 months ago

Why Pheroze Nowrojee deserves a Nairobi road named after him

Nairobi South Ward MCA Waithera Chege's reading of a motion this week to commemorate the life of late Pheroze Nowrojee.

By Irungu Houghton 7 months ago

Let a new generation of honest leaders emerge ahead of 2027

With the resumption of continuous voter registration on September 29, seven by-elections set for November 27, the scramble for the next generation of honest leaders is on.

By Irungu Houghton 7 months ago

Police brutality victims and their families deserve justice

The real public interest question is whether Kenya's justice institutions will hold those responsible to account with or without the Panel of Experts.

By Irungu Houghton 7 months ago

Shun companies profiting from the genocide happening in Gaza

In another act of complete disregard for the international community, Israeli forces have escalated their assault on Gaza, killing at least 79 people this week.

By Irungu Houghton 7 months ago

Human rights defenders should stay the course to guard justice

Several victims' families, human rights defenders, netizens and bots this week focused on holding the advisory Panel of Experts on compensation for victims of brutal protest.

By Irungu Houghton 7 months ago

Karura Forest under threat from greedy individuals seeking profit

The Kenya Forest Services has just triggered a fresh controversy for the Kenya Kwanza administration by unilaterally taking control of the 93-year-old Karura Forest.

By Irungu Houghton 8 months ago

Let's use the fire, creativity from young leaders to fight corruption

Wednesday's celebration of one of the nation's most important teenagers, the Constitution of Kenya 2010, was remarkable

By Irungu Houghton 8 months ago

State violence victims deserve more than just a few millions

What is the value of a human life and how should victims of wrongful deaths caused by state officers be compensated?

By Irungu Houghton 8 months ago

Child sex trade report exposed why Kenya should act urgently

While participating in and promoting paid sex remains a moral debate, let us all draw the line that those who participate must be protected from harm and guaranteed their rights.

By Irungu Houghton 8 months ago

Use of harsh laws against dissent will reverse hard-earned freedom

This week, several people arrested during the June-July protests - including boda boda rider, and security officers - were charged in Kenya's counterterrorism Kahawa Law Courts.

By Irungu Houghton 9 months ago

Review police handling of protest after damning report from IPOA

Hot on the heels of last week's policy directive on the use of force and firearms, the IPOA, released its extensive report on the June and July public protests this week.

By Irungu Houghton 9 months ago

Kenya's dangerous drift as the government battles its citizens

Post-Saba Saba Day, allegations of an attempted coup, calls for police to shoot, and mass arrests have raised serious concerns about the government's response to public dissent.

By Irungu Houghton 10 months ago

Lessons for Kenyans and police after June 25th bloody protests

Wednesday night rains washed away the stench of pungent tear gas across several towns, but the devastation and trauma caused by hours of confrontation remains.

By Irungu Houghton 10 months ago

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City anarchy showed how quickly chaos can fuel instability in Kenya

Tuesday's street anarchy in Nairobi had me scrambling for dusty copies of the Commission on Inquiry, Ransley and Kriegler reports on 2007/2008 Post Election Violence.

By Irungu Houghton 10 months ago

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With dwindling global funding, Africa should chart a bold path

As East Africa's Finance Ministers unveiled their budgets this week, the region's top philanthropic funders met in Kigali amid growing uncertainty in global development financing.

By Irungu Houghton 10 months ago

Why the fourth estate is critical in democratic and open society

World Press Freedom Day and the Media Council Annual Summit this week highlighted the resilience of Kenya's fourth estate.

By Irungu Houghton 11 months ago

What ails majority of Kenyan families and how we can fix it

The world marks the United Nations International Day of Families,Thursday May 15. How can we ensure we all stay focused on what ails the Kenyan family and not be hijacked by foreigners?

By Irungu Houghton 1 year ago

Don't "move on" after injustice since that is the end of society

Allowing serious crimes to go unresolved will only further fuel the dangerous "aura for aura" narratives and the rising arguments.

By Irungu Houghton 1 year ago