Kenyan Newspapers Review: State Seeks Separation Of Shakahola Victims Over Pregnancy Fears

On Wednesday, July 25, the national dailies widely reported on Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga's claims that Tanzania president Samia Suluhu attempted to mediate talks between him and William Ruto.

The papers also reported that President William Ruto pardoned former Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) director Davy Koech, who was sentenced to a six-year jail term over a KSh 19.3 million graft case.

1. The Star

The state is now seeking the separation of 65 Shakahola victims from a rescue centre to the Shimo La Tewa prison over unwanted pregnancy fears, the Star reports.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on Monday, July 24, requested a chance to have the male and female victims from the suspected cult transferred to the Shimo la Tewa prison, where they can be held in separate detaining facilities.

This is after the state said the 26 males and 39 females have been interacting freely at the rescue centre, which could lead to a wave of unwanted pregnancies and gender-based violence.

In his submissions to the court, the DPP officer said having the victims in separate male and female detaining facilities will ensure their rights, such as medical attention and nutritional diet, are also met effectively.

2. Daily Nation

According to this paper, former Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja has returned to his radio host career after losing his re-election bid in August 2022.

Samboja, a former radio presenter, has returned to the airwaves as a presenter, preacher and inspirational speaker.

Since his loss to current governor Mwandime, Samboja has been under the radar until two weeks ago when he unveiled his new radio show. During the programme, he receives requests for prayers and spiritual nourishment, which he gladly provides.

"I continue to experience God's favour because of the far he has brought my family and I. He is Ebenezar," the ex-county boss said in one of his recent shows.

3. Taifa Leo

This paper reports that President William Ruto has pardoned 37 individuals who were jailed over various offences after exercising his power of mercy.

In a gazette notice by Attorney General Justin Muturi, the president pardoned the 37 under the Power of Mercy Act 2011 upon the recommendation of the Advisory Committee.

Among those pardoned is former Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) director Davy Koech, who was sentenced to a six-year jail term over a KSh 19.3 million graft case.

Koech had in 2021 been found guilty of abuse of three counts of fraudulent acquisition of public property and was fined KSh 19.6 million or a six-year jail term.

4. The Standard

Church leaders from the Nyanza region have condemned the recent attacks on former president Uhuru Kenyatta and his family and called for tolerance, the Standard reports.

Coming days after Uhuru's son Jomo's home, was raided by the police, the Anglican Church of Kenya representing the Nyanza Episcopal said the threats and attacks against Uhuru and his family are uncalled for.

The bishops said the feud between the state and the Kenyattas should be handled differently without disrespecting the former first family.

"We want the president to give the Kenyatta family the latitude they deserve as the former first family. Fueling tensions through reckless utterances cannot save the nation from its woes," they said.

5. People Daily

This newspaper reports about Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga claims that Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu had offered to mediate talks between his team and the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.

On Tuesday, July 25, Raila claimed Suluhu was in Nairobi for two days to reconcile him and President William Ruto, but the government kept her waiting.

The former prime minister spoke in Nairobi while addressing the international press on the crisis facing Kenya.

In response to his claims, President William Ruto invited Raila for a one-on-one meeting on Tuesday evening to iron out their differences.