Kenya Newspapers Review For December 23: Bees Sting 76-Year-Old Man To Death While Walking Home

On Saturday, December 23, the Kenyan newspapers widely reported on the dramatic arrest of former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, who was charged with abuse of office in the construction of the Ronald Ngala Utalii College.

The dailies also reported on Kenyans travelling to various parts of the country ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.

1. The Saturday Standard

The paper reported that an elderly man died following a tragic attack by a swarm of bees in Trans Nzoia county.

The incident occurred near a forest area where the old man, identified as Clement Majendo, 76, was walking home.

Makhanu Isaac, a neighbour who witnessed the incident, said the man tried to run but was helpless as the bees attacked him. Wildlife experts said that something might have disturbed the beehive.

Ben Masibo, a local entomologist, said bees could be particularly aggressive when their hive is threatened, adding that in this case, it appears that a snake's intrusion may have triggered the swarm's defensive response.

Kwanza OCPD James Odera said police have begun investigations on the matter. Eliud Tormoi, a local beekeeper from the Kipsitwet area, urged residents to embrace bee-friendly practices to mitigate future risks.

2. Saturday Nation

According to the daily, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga told Nyanza residents to remain united.

While stressing the need to preserve culture and traditions for future generations, Raila cautioned against being divided.

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition chief spoke during the ninth Luo Ker coronation at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu City.

He downplayed attempts to cause division in the council through a faction led by Nyandiko Ongadi.

Raila maintained that Odungi Randa remains the undisputed cultural leader of the Luo after his election in Homa Bay County in July.

"Among the people who worked with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Randa was one of the greatest loyalists and made sacrifices for the community," he said, referring to his father Jaramogi.

Raila stated that he's confident Randa would steer the community in the right direction as he was bestowed to be the Luo culture's custodian and offer guidance on all matters.

He added that Ofafa Memorial Hall would remain the community's cultural headquarters and be protected from grabbers.

“I walked with Mzee Jaramogi in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to collect money from members of the Luo community that enabled us to buy the land and build this hall,” he said.

"When James Orengo was the Minister of Lands, I took the title to him and changed the name from Luo Union to Luo Council of Elders. I am the custodian of the title deed."

Hosting of the ceremony at the grounds was initially marked with confusion after the rival group issued a notice of a special Annual general Meeting at the same venue but failed to turn up.

3. Taifa Leo

The Swahili publication reported parents can continue to buy books for their primary school children under the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) despite subject standardisation.

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) stated that, despite subject standardisation, education stakeholders can still purchase books.

"Parents can buy books for their children. Even for government-distributed books, we still ask teachers to continue providing content from previously distributed books," said KICD CEO Prof Charles Ong'ondo.

KICD approved six books for Grade 9 students joining these schools in 2025.

Starting January 2024, primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) students will have fewer subjects and shorter lesson times following the curriculum overhaul by the Ministry of Education.