Irissheel Shanzu

California

Writer at The Standard (Kenya)

A professional journalist.

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standardmedia.co.ke

Articles

Illiteracy, poverty, culture fuel gender violence in West Pokot

3 weeks ago | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Chairperson of Technical working group on Gender Based Violence including Femicide Nancy Barasa during a stakeholder engagement at KICC , Nairobi on April 9th 2025. [Collins Oduor,Standard]Illiteracy, poverty, and deeply ingrained cultural beliefs have been identified as key contributors to gender-based violence (GBV) in West Pokot County. This came to the fore during a public forum held at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria by the Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group.
Bodaboda riders protest rising accidents on Kitale Lodwar highway

1 month ago | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Bodaboda riders in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, are up in arms over increased accidents along the Kitale–Lodwar highway, which they blame on reckless and speeding truck drivers transporting clinker. The riders, who operate along the Tartar Junction to Kamatira stretch, say the situation has become dire, with injuries and fatalities rising due to narrow roads and uncontrolled truck traffic. They have now threatened to stage demonstrations and block the road unless urgent action is taken.
Stray leopard attacks four men in West Pokot village

2 months ago | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Four men are nursing serious injuries after a stray leopard attacked them on Monday evening in Kalapochoni Village, along the River Kaipon, in Poole Sub-Location, Riwo Ward, West Pokot County. The victims — all sand harvesters — were going about their work when the wild animal emerged from nearby thickets and pounced on them without warning. The injured were rushed to Kacheliba Level 4 Hospital by residents who responded to their cries for help.
Residents and leaders oppose KVDA disbandment

Feb 26, 2025 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Leaders and residents of the North Rift region have criticised the government’s decision to dissolve the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). The authority is among 16 state corporations slated for dissolution or merger as part of a National Treasury audit. The leaders are calling on the government to reverse the decision and instead develop a clear legal framework to streamline the positive impact of regional development authorities, ensuring balanced development across the country.
Leaders say dissolution of KVDA to reverse gains in fighting insecurity

Feb 25, 2025 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Leaders and residents of the North Rift region have criticised the government over the planned dissolution of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). The authority is among 16 state corporations slated for dissolution or merger after National Treasury audit. The leaders called on the government to reverse the decision and instead develop a clear legal framework to streamline regional development authorities and ensure they make positive impact on society.
20,025 candidates sit for KPSEA in West Pokot county

Oct 27, 2024 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) kicked off smoothly across West Pokot county on Monday, with 20,025 candidates from public and private schools sitting for the exams. The candidates include 18,692 pupils from public schools—9,326 boys and 9,366 girls—and 1,333 pupils from private schools, comprising 630 boys and 703 girls. The exams are being conducted in 680 centres across the county, with 624 in public schools and 56 in private institutions.
Missionaries deploy the gospel to tame banditry, insecurity

Aug 9, 2024 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Alarmed by the state of insecurity in the troubled Kerio Valley, a group of missionaries are now using religion to unite warring communities. The Rock Church missionaries are implementing a number of projects in the area that has faced neglect for decades following incessant attacks.
North Rift MPs call for an end to anti-government protests

Jul 23, 2024 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Three North Rift Members of Parliament have urged youths to end anti-government protests. Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor and Kapenguria MP Dr Samuel Moroto, asked President Willaim Ruto to use his constitutional powers to stop the protests. The leaders lauded President Ruto’s assertion that the demonstrations must stop. "Those saying Ruto must go should stop. They must stop taking us for a ride with their propaganda," said Lochakapong.
Residents living in fears of landslides as heavy rains pound West Pokot

Jul 21, 2024 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

Heavy rains in parts of West Pokot county over the last few weeks have caused panic, with mudslides reported in some highland areas. Panic has gripped residents after mudslides destroyed farms and some homes in Lelan, Mokoyon and Meshau villages. Reports indicate that soil on the hillsides is disintegrating, leading to erosion and raising fears of landslides. "We are living in fear.
Crackdown on 'sponsors' of Gen Z protests, West Pokot leaders tell Ruto

Jul 6, 2024 | standardmedia.co.ke | Irissheel Shanzu

North Rift leaders want President William Ruto to stamp his authority and bring to book those who they say are out to sabotage his administration. Following nationwide anti-government demonstrations by the youth with the support of some opposition leaders, politicians allied with President Ruto said the government should arrest those behind the unrest. Led by West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, they condemned violent demonstrations and urged the Head of State to arrest perpetrators.