Details of Attack on Gachagua in Limuru, 2025 School Calendar Released & Standard Group Woes

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked by unknown youth in Limuru, Kiambu County on Wednesday, November 28.

Gachagua, who had planned to stream the event live, was unable to address the gathering at the funeral.

Videos and photos shared from the scene showed several of his entourage injured, with some bleeding following the chaos.

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Gachagua Attacked by Goons in Limuru

In a statement released on Thursday, Gachagua described the incident as a sad state of affairs and a major low for the state, which he accused of being complicit in the attack.

He expressed concern for the bereaved family, whose grief was compounded as they were forced to flee for safety while mourning their loved one, following an attack by gangsters armed with stones, machetes, iron bars, and sticks.

“Today, I was at a funeral service in Limuru for a young man called Erastus Nduati. While we were preparing to lay the young man to rest goons attacked us & the other mourners who were present, including children” he said.

“We just especially remember the family that had a loved one in a casket, who had to run to safety despite their profound grief.”

2025 School Calendar Released

The Ministry of Education (MoE) released the official 2025 academic calendar, outlining term dates, holidays, and national examinations for primary and secondary schools.

According to the circular issued on Thursday, November 28, all schools will reopen for the first term on January 6, 2025.

The first term will run for 13 weeks, ending on April 4, 2025. A five-day half-term break is scheduled from February 26 to March 2, with schools closing for the first-term holiday from April 7 to April 25, a three-week period.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang confirmed that the second term will begin on April 28, 2025. Students will study for 14 weeks before going on the second-term holiday, starting on August 1, 2025.

Standard Group Unpaid dues & Prolonged financial Hardships

The Standard Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Marion Mwangi, faced backlash after attempting to recall former employees.

Mwangi, whose leadership has recently been under scrutiny, sought to engage the ex-staff members in discussions regarding outstanding benefits owed to them.

However, sources revealed to The Kenya Times that many of the former employees are hesitant to attend the meeting, citing unresolved issues from their previous tenures at the company. 

The employees received invitations to convene at the Rubi Meeting Room, Panari Hotel, on Thursday, November 28.

One former employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that their dissatisfaction stems from previous mistreatment by the management. The source alleged that the meeting is an attempt to thwart their planned protest.

According to the insider, the invitation to the meeting is merely a tactic to disorient them. The employees have stated that they will address the CEO through the media during the protest rather than in closed-door meetings.

The Standard reported that the meeting aimed at resolving outstanding issues, including the company’s financial restructuring efforts and the collection of unpaid debts.

Ruto Warning to CEOs

President William Ruto put on notice 35 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of government agencies for disobeying his directive on onboarding services to eCitizen.

Speaking during the first anniversary of the eCitizen payments, Ruto said that some CEOs are yet to implement the government’s directive on moving their services to eCitizen.

“There are government agencies that are still dodging, and I want to put them on notice,” Ruto said.

Among the listed government agencies include Kenya Power Limited Company (KPLC), Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya Water Institute and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya.

Ruto explained that the National Treasury cannot follow up on the revenue collected by the said agencies and directed the CEOs to comply within one week or resign.

Also Big This Week

• Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah outlined the plans he has for Kenya is he wins the Presidency in the 2027 general election.
• The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) on Friday November 29 dismissed 49 employees over fraud allegations.
• The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has revealed bank with cheapest and most expensive loan rates.
• The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) warned that 24 small and medium-sized local banks risk shutting down, a that move will affect 6,779 employees
• The State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services increased fees for the issuance of birth and death certificates.
• Moi University came clean on the causes and timeline of its financial and administration downfall. 
• The High Court of Kenya issued conservatory orders suspending the Gazette Notice that granted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation special privileges and immunity. 
• Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua revealed the meeting that led to his fallout with President William Ruto. 
• President William Ruto appointed Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS), Musalia Mudavadi as a member of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Council between Kenyan and the European Union (EU)
• TikTok announced plans to restrict the usage of filters that alter one’s appearance to users under the age of 18 years.

We also had sad stories this week:

• Former Tanzania Minister and the Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region Faustine Ndugulile died on November 27.
• Dr Francis Njeru, a medical intern (pharmacist) at Thika level 5 hospital, committed suicide after working for only four months.

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