Kenyan Newspapers Review: Rebecca Cheptegei's Family Asks Police To Protect Her Assets

On Friday, September 6, the Kenyan newspapers reported on the unfortunate death of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who succumbed to burns at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

The dailies also revealed how senior government officials spent billions globe-trotting in defiance of President William Ruto's austerity measures.

1. People Daily

The family of slain Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has asked the police to protect her property from the prime murder suspect, Dickson Ndiema.

Ndiema was accused of dousing Cheptegei in petrol and setting her on fire, leading to her death after she suffered 80% burns.

The deceased's father, Joseph Cheptegei, asked the government to help him secure her multi-million property in Kinyor, Trans Nzoia county.

Joseph revealed the fallen Olympian had a prime plot that she had developed and another piece the suspect was on the verge of taking over.

He revealed the suspect had been threatening and intimidating his daughter before her death. Although he reported the incidents to the police, he claimed they took no action.

"The man who is behind the murder of my daughter is admitted at the same hospital unguarded by the police, and there is a high chance that he might flee after his condition stabilises," Cheptegei's father said.

2. The Star

A report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o has revealed how senior government officials spent billions travelling outside the country despite President William Ruto limiting travel expenditure.

The report showed the state exceeded its travel budget by KSh 10.9 billion in the last financial year.

Below are some of the trips made by senior officials.

3. Daily Nation

Members of Parliament (MPs) want to increase the allocation to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) by KSh 10 billion.

The NG-CDF (Amendment) Bill 2023 proposes to increase the amount from KSh 53.5 billion to KSh 63.6 billion.

The bill seeks to amend the NG-CDF Act of 2025 to include 5% of the Sports Arts and Social Development Fund and 5% of the Universal Service Fund as additional sources of funds.

Wajir East MP Aden Mohammed sponsors the bill.

4. The Standard

The publication reported what former prime minister Raila Odinga's role would entail if he won the African Union (AU) Commission chairship seat.

Raila will manage a budget of KSh 14.16 billion annually and will be directly responsible for the Executive Council.

The Executive Council brings together foreign ministers of AU member states.

On Wednesday, September 4, Raila met six African presidents in China as he continued campaigning for the seat ahead of the February 2025 elections.

5. Taifa Leo

According to analysts, President William Ruto's new political friendship with former prime minister Raila Odinga could jolt Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua's popularity.

The DP risks being kicked out of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as he does not have a party of his own.

Gachagua is believed to have a big influence in the Mt Kenya region, which gave Ruto 2.9 million votes in the 2022 General Election.

However, Ruto's new dalliance with Raila could endear him to the Nyanza and Western Kenya voting block, which has been supporting the ODM leader.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke