On Saturday, September 7, the daily newspapers reported a lot about the Hillside Endarasha College fire tragedy which has since claimed the lives of 18 students, while others are still fighting for their lives in hospital.
Source: UGC
The newspapers also reported on the government's response to the tragedy, and called for a thorough investigation to determine what caused the fire at night.
1. Saturday Nation
The horror that struck the Hillside Endarasha Shul in Kieni in the dormitory fire was revealed.
Parents who watched the scene where 18 children perished after being burned beyond recognition cried and screamed, unable to bear the sadness of the village losing more than twelve young people in hours.
They had camped at the scene, wanting to see the horror and the place where the boys spent their last moments before their lives were consumed by the fire which is said to have started at 11pm on Thursday.
Initially, their efforts were dismissed until Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrived at the scene and allowed them to view the dormitory 'closed'.
But there can be no closure here, as evidenced by the fear, sadness and pain of those who were able to enter.
Those who were the first to arrive at the school painted a terrifying scene.
John Mugo said he ran to the school to find out about his sister's son, who is in Grade Seven.
“We tried our best to save the children. Some residents took risks and soaked their blankets in the water, covered themselves and entered the dormitory. I saw several people coming out of the fire, each with a child. It was a terrible event,” Mugo said.
2. Nation Today
Kiswahili newspaper reported that more than 30 families were left homeless after their houses were demolished on Friday morning in Kwa Munyeti, Athi River Sub-County. Machakosdue to the land dispute.
According to the affected families, unknown persons wearing official police uniforms stormed the area at four in the morning.
They were ordered to leave their homes before the buildings were demolished using bulldozers.
In the chaos, two people were injured and rushed to the hospital for treatment. Mr. Peter Kasyoki, who had lived in the land for two years after buying it, said they had not been given any eviction notice or court order.
This made them calculate the loss of millions of shillings without any help.
Said Masase Mochama condemned the incident and explained that the people failed to identify themselves and threatened the residents when they were questioned.
3. The Star
According to the newspaper, the administration of the President William Ruto borrowed an average of KSh 777.78 million every day in the last financial year, a new report shows.
It also emerged that the government spent KSh 1.56 trillion to pay the debt alone during this period.
The report of the Comptroller of the Budget Margaret Nyakang'o showed the cost of the increasingly large debt that the country has incurred due to loans.
The National Government Budget Implementation Reflection Report for 2023-24 revealed that the government borrowed KSh 280 million daily during the year, translating to KSh 23.33 billion per month.
This pushed the country's debt stock to KSh 10.56 trillion from KSh 10.28 trillion the previous year, an increase of 3%.
“As of June 30, 2024, public debt reached KSh 10.56 trillion, comprising KSh 5.15 trillion (49%) from external creditors and KSh 5.41 trillion (51%) from domestic creditors,” the report says.
External debt decreased by 5%, while domestic debt recorded a growth of 12%. The decrease in external debt has been contributed to the strengthening of the shilling Kenya against major currencies.
4. The Saturday Standard
The guns may have fallen silent but the war is still on. Although President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua continue to show some kind of friendship, the two camps are still fighting for representation.
They have been deploying their 'attack dogs' who use every opportunity to publicly undermine their chosen side.
The President has several MPs led by the Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu) Majority Leader in the National Assembly Sylvanus Osoro (Mugriango South) Mwangi Kiunjuri (Laikipia East) Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret). They have continued attacks against the Deputy President.
Ruto's camp seems to have gained strength after his unity agreement with Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Now, several partners of Railaincluding Homabay governor Gladys Wanga, have joined forces to target Gachagua due to his previous remarks about 'owning shares'.
On his part, Gachagua's defenders include James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga), among others, who have been shooting at the attackers.
Opponents who oppose Gachagua continue the narrative that the deputy president was involved in the Gen Z protests, claiming he wanted to topple Ruto and his administration.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
