Kenyan Newspapers Review, August 29: Senior GSU Officer Shoots Wife After Altercation

On Thursday, August 29, the local dailies reported on various subjects of national interest, including the conviction of former Samburu governor Moses Lenolkulal, who was implicated in a multi-million shilling scandal.

Elsewhere, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer was arrested in Narok for allegedly shooting his wife.

1. Daily Nation

The newspaper covered the conviction of former Samburu governor Moses Lenolkunal, who was found guilty in a KSh 83 million graft case.

He was convicted of receiving the monies from the county government for supplying fuel and oil products using his business associates.

Lenolkulal awaits sentencing today, August 29.

The former county boss was found guilty of using his property, Oryx Petrol Service, to supply the foregoing products to the devolved unit.

The monies, according to the evidence in court, were used by the ex-governor to purchase prime properties, which the Ethics and Anti-Corruptions Commission (EACC) seized.

One of the properties is in Karen, Nairobi, valued at KSh 60 million.

Some monies believed to be the proceeds of corruption were also found in an account he holds with the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).

Nairobi Senior Principal Magistrate Thomas Nzioki was convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that Lenolkulal acted in a conflict of interest by trading with the county government using proxies.

Others convicted alongside Lenolkulal are Stephen Siringa, Daniel Nakuo, Josephine Naamo, Reuben Marumben, Milton Lenolngenje, Bernard Lesurmat, Lilian Balanga and Hesbon Ndathi.

The court has denied bail to the convicts pending mitigation and sentencing.

2. Taifa Leo

The newspaper reported on a near-fatal incident involving a senior GSU officer and his wife, an advocate of the High Court.

Stephen Kiptanui Soi was apprehended on Tuesday, August 27, after allegedly shooting his wife at their home in the Ketete area of Narok county.

According to police, Soi is a licensed gun holder; he used his privately owned Ceska pistol to commit the act.

At the scene, police recovered a spare magazine with 12 rounds.

Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting as the suspect awaits to face attempted murder charges.

Soi has had run-ins with the law previously.

He was handed a 10-year jail sentence in 2021, with an option of a KSh 103 million fine, after being found guilty of being party to the 2016 Rio Olympics scandal.

Soi served as a National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) official at the time of the scandal.

The victim was rushed to the hospital, where police confirmed he was in stable condition.

3. The Star

The newspaper reported on the unprecedented warm reception accorded to President William Ruto by the residents of Nyanza.

Ruto, accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, is in the region for a four-day working tour.

They started their visit in Migori, where local leaders and residents welcomed them in large numbers.

Leaders who previously held stances against the two leaders, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, were present to welcome the president.

In their speeches, Ruto and Gachagua acknowledged the hospitality, restating their support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is the region's leader, in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson bid.

The two leaders underscored their new resolve to partner with all leaders, regardless of their political leanings, to unite the country.

The president promised goodies to the Nyanza counties besides launching development projects.

They later flew to Kisumu, where the reception was equally warm and kingly.

Ruto is also expected in the Homa Bay and Siaya counties, Raila's backyards.

The president's camaraderie with Raila seems to have endeared him to the latter's supporters, who were previously animus toward him owing to the prevalent political climate.

4. The Standard

The Standard reported on the move by the Azimio La Umoja coalition under Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to constitute a shadow Cabinet to keep the government in check.

Kalonzo was unveiled as Raila Odinga's replacement in the political formation as the latter took a break from local politics to focus on his continental bid.

The Wiper leader said Kenyans had blessed his assumption of the role of the opposition leader.

"We may be light in numbers in Parliament, but outside, we have the people of Kenya," he said.

In the shadow Cabinet, Kalonzo said, all Kenyans, including Gen Zs, will be included.

"It will not be business as usual. We will not allow our country to become a banana republic. We are a multiparty democracy. The struggle continues, no retreat, no surrender!" he said.