Kenyan Newspapers Review For December 19: Drunk Nyeri Police Officer Disobeys Senior, Shoots Him

On Tuesday, December 19, the national dailies widely reported on the placement of 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education candidates to secondary schools.

1. Daily Nation

According to the paper, a police officer attached to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) in Nyeri is on the run after allegedly shooting his superior, Inspector Charles Mwangi, three times during an evening shift.

Joseph Gitari, 42, is accused of committing the offence while on duty at the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation located on the outskirts of the town.

Nyeri County Police Commander Benjamin Rotich said the incident occurred around 6:30pm when Mwangi was on patrol.

"It was then that the inspector noticed that the officer responsible for safeguarding the property, was drunk,” he said.

Mwangi instructed the officer to return to a waiting vehicle, as he sought a colleague to take over Gitari’s work.

Rotich said that instead of the suspect complying, he fired three bullets from his rifle at the inspector.

Despite being disarmed by officers at the scene, Gitari managed to escape, flagging down a private vehicle and fleeing to an unknown destination while still in his police uniform.

2. The Star

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration had no reason to spend KSh 6.09 billion to buy back Telkom Kenya from the holding company that had acquired it from the state.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu poked holes into the deal, which was executed in the last minutes of the Jubilee administration's time in office.

In a mind-blowing report, the auditor demanded answers as to why the buyback from Jamhuri Holdings Limited proceeded without Parliament’s approval.

“The total amount of Sh12.50 billion was withdrawn under Article 223 of the Constitution. Requests for information from the banks’ headquarters were either declined or not responded to,” the report says.

In the circumstances, Gathungu said it is impossible to confirm who benefited from the deal, which remains a central issue in the country’s politics.

3. The Standard

The daily reported rescuers in Migori are searching for three gold miners trapped in a mine in the Kurutyange area in Kuria West Sub-County.

The incident occurred after heavy rains filled the mine, leading to a cave-in.

Reuben Bett, the Kuria West police sub-county commander, reported that four miners had ventured into an abandoned mining site in Kurutyange.

"Heavy rains that came from uphill filled the mine to the brim, and this made it cave in, blocking them from escaping," explained Bett.

According to the Kuria West Police boss, a search was initiated, resulting in the retrieval of one body, which was taken to Migori County Referral Hospital's morgue.

The ongoing effort is focused on finding the three remaining miners still trapped in the mines.

The miners' families expressed frustration, blaming both the national and county governments for the delayed rescue mission.

4. People Daily

The publication reported that Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono said the government would compensate farmers who lost crops and livestock to floods caused by the El Nino rains.

Rono mentioned that most of the farmers to be compensated are in the arid and semi-arid areas.

"In some of the counties, 70% of crops were destroyed. They also lost a significant number of animals. We have a plan to assist these farmers," said the PS.

Rono stated that the ministry was in the process of quantifying the extent of the destruction of food crops and livestock to determine a budget for compensation.

"Farmers in Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, and Turkana who lost almost 70% of crops and livestock to floods will be compensated. We are working with the private sector to help in mitigation," he added.

5. Taifa Leo

The Swahili paper reported that Bishop Anthony Muheria of the Catholic Church in the Nyeri region called on leaders to use the Christmas festivities to reduce the cost of living, as many Kenyans are facing economic hardships.

He criticised both government and opposition leaders for blaming each other instead of addressing the economic challenges facing Kenyans.

"Many of us are still facing numerous challenges, making it difficult to find any reason to celebrate Christmas. However, I would like to send a message of hope to Kenyans that despite the difficulties we are going through, this is a time to reflect as a nation. Leaders have been blaming each other when conflicts arise instead of resolving them," said Bishop Muheria.

He called on the government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, to acknowledge the hardships affecting the lives of Kenyans.

Muheria stated that the recent government move to reduce fuel prices did not ease the cost of living, and more strategies need to be adopted.

"We thank God that the fuel prices have decreased somewhat. However, that is not a solution to the cost of living. This is a significant issue. Let's discuss and find solutions to our economy. Politicians alone do not have the solutions. This Christmas season should teach us to accept each other despite our political leanings," he added.