On Thursday, August 17, the national dailies reported on the much-hyped 8th Devolution Conference officially opened by President William Ruto in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county.
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The dailies also highlighted Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago's tribulations after a court in Nakuru issued an order for his arrest in connection with the airlift programme that has left families demanding refunds for their money.
1. People Daily
The publication reported that police in Naivasha are holding a 17-year-old girl over allegations she killed her six-month-old daughter and dumped her in a septic tank.
The bizarre incident in Wangu village on the outskirts of Naivasha town shocked residents who discovered the body shortly after the teenager committed the heinous act to reportedly get married.
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The girl, according to Amos Kiarie, a member of the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, dropped out of school after she got pregnant in 2022.
The incident attracted a furious mob that charged towards the suspect, baying for her blood, prompting police officers from Naivasha Police Station to swing into action to save her.
Confirming the incident, Naivasha sub-county police boss Benjamin Boen said investigations are underway before the suspect is arraigned.
2. Daily Nation
The daily reported that Kenyans could enjoy four-day weekends when public holidays fall on Tuesdays or Thursdays if a proposed amendment to the law by Kiambu senator Karungo Thang'wa is approved.
Thang'wa introduced the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims to modify the Public Holidays Act to stipulate that if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, the preceding Monday will also be designated a public holiday.
Similarly, if a public holiday falls on a Thursday, the subsequent Friday will also be declared a public holiday.
If Parliament passes the Bill, it could result in workweeks consisting of only three days and extended four-day weekends.
Presently, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also declared a holiday.
The senator argues that extending public holidays would grant workers additional time to rest, rejuvenate, spend quality moments with family and friends, and observe important events or traditions.
He further contends that this extension would enhance local tourism and hospitality as workers would have more time for distant travel due to the extended breaks.
However, Benson Okwara, the deputy secretary-general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), dismissed Thang'wa's proposal as "absurd".
Kenya presently observes 12 public holidays annually: New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday, Labour Day, Madaraka Day, Idd-ul-Fitr, Huduma Day, Mashujaa Day, Jamhuri Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Idd-ul-Adha.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili paper reports that a Kenyan Defence Forces soldier died, and an unknown number of officers were injured after being attacked by elephants near the Mizinga School in Isiolo County.
Lieutenant Fridah Nkonge was among a group of soldiers conducting exercises in the Kainuk area when an unknown number of elephants attacked them.
The Police Commander in Isiolo County, Hassan Barua, told the daily that several soldiers sustained minor injuries and received treatment.
"The soldier was attacked by one elephant until he died, while several others sustained minor injuries," Barua said.
A message from the military indicated that Lt. Nkonge passed away while receiving treatment at the reception centre of the Artillery School.
4. The Star
A team of 10 senior police officers, led by Deputy Inspector General in charge of Administration Noor Gabow, flew to Haiti for an assessment mission.
This mission aims to evaluate the situation before the planned deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to combat the gang violence that has plagued the Caribbean nation.
Kenya has been selected to lead this international police force, which aims to restore order in Haiti, with the mission scheduled to commence in a month.
The team includes commanders from various units, such as the Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, General Service Unit, and Border Patrol Unit.
They will assess the situation on the ground and determine the appropriate course of action before any decisions are made regarding the deployment.
Unlike a United Nations mandate, this international police force would not operate under the supervision of the UN.
If the deployment takes place, Kenyan police officers will be in charge, independent of a UN force commander, as in UN peacekeeping missions.
5. The Standard
The publication reported that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and a section of Mt Kenya leaders are sceptical about the ongoing talks between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.
While some have openly expressed their reservations, others who fear the process may push the region's interests down the priority list are unwilling to speak out.
On Tuesday, August 15, Gachagua publicly displayed his lack of enthusiasm for the talks, saying what was important was delivering services to the people.
He said the "important dialogue" for him and Ruto was subsidising the cost of production like fertiliser, construction of roads and water projects.
Like the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), the committee will recommend suitable, constitutional, legal and policy reforms concerning matters significant to Kenyans and invite stakeholders, experts and Kenyans for their opinions.
It appears that Mt Kenya leaders are cautious of political ramifications that may befall the region.
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