Thursday’s arrest of Nairobi’s Urban Planning Chief Officer Patrick Analo Akivaga, a wife and the seizure of tens of millions hidden in his Syokimau home read like a movie script. While his conduct has long attracted public concern, this moment must not be reduced to wrongdoing of an individual. We must also focus on the deeper systemic and relational failures that enabled him to thrive at City Hall.

As the primary accountability season nears, politicians suddenly pick our calls and patterns sharpen. How does last week’s Senator Nyamu address, a youth poll, and this week’s by‑election connect and why do all parties in power need to pay attention?

Nairobi South Ward MCA Hon. Waithera Chege’s reading of a motion this week to commemorate the life of late Pheroze Nowrojee (1941–2025) by naming a road after him was well received by community associations and residents in the city. I urge our city leaders and residents to honour his impact and support this tribute to one of our greatest and most humble of sons.

With the resumption of continuous voter registration on 29 September, seven by-elections set for 27 November, the scramble for the next generation of honest leaders is on. As Kaggia hits the stage later next week, it allows us to ask the very topical question: What would Kenya be, if our leaders were not corrupt?

Beware the company you keep, lest you become the average of them, or so the quote goes. The reconstitution of the national cabinet...