Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka quizzed over 352 accounts (Photo courtesy Swala Nyeti)

Interesting stories and reports from Kenya’s newspapers over the last seven days…

US piles pressure on Kenyan fight against graft, push for civil liberties, (Business Daily August 6). Biden administration pressures Kenya to enhance fight against graft ahead of bilateral trade deal.

Why 352 accounts? Senators ask during Lusaka questioning (The Star, August 7). Senate panel quizzes Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka over multiple bank accounts. See also, Puzzle of Lusaka’s 352 bank accounts, ‘faceless’ signatories’ (The Standard, August 8)

Debt, tax battles sink Kenya’s home-grown car manufacturer (The Star, August 7). The dream of Kenya’s first locally manufactured car seems to be over. See also, Funding drought slams brakes on Mobius 13-year venture (Business Daily, August 7). But for a glimmer of hope see Rival dealers weigh buyout of bankrupt SUV maker Mobius (Business Daily, August 9)

Artistes mourn ‘Rafiki Pesa’ star, who sang his way from kitchen (The Standard, August 7). Guitarist Shari Martin dies of pneumonia.

Banks to start spying on customer transactions after CBK directive (The Standard, August 8). Commercial banks have begun closely monitoring customer transactions as directed by the banking regulator to combat financial crimes.

Kenya, US in rush to conclude free trade pact as Biden leaves (The Standard, August 9). Biden administration and Ruto government rush to conclude the much-delayed free trade agreement.