On Monday, December 30, local newspapers reported the growing anger among Kenyan youth and protest national following recent cases of alleged kidnappings, targeting those believed to be critics of the government.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported more details about how a man, now identified as a police officer, beat up Government security forces and civilians in Shamata field, Nyandarua county, and attacked former DP Rigathi Gachagua.
Security sources investigating the incident, which is the second attack since Gachagua was fired from office for being accused, said the officer, who is believed to be from outside Nyandarua, arrived at the prayer meeting area at 11 am.
20 minutes later, Gachagua arrived accompanied by many of his associates. The assailant, who managed to sneak into the public tent with a tear gas, waited for the church service to end before rushing to disrupt the speeches of the politicians who were accompanying the former DP.
The suspect, who was sitting in the second row of the public tent, threw the offensive weapon aiming at the stage at Gachagua.
“The man arrived a few minutes before the arrival of the former DP. He sat and remained calm, but he was constantly chatting. He was deciding to send a text message every time the phone rang. We did not suspect that he was on a mission,” said a woman who was sitting next to the suspect , who narrowly escaped being attacked by the mob.
2. Nation Today
The newspaper Swahili The Daily reported that Kenyans are preparing for nationwide protests scheduled to begin today, aimed at condemning the increasing cases of kidnappings.
Activists who started this protest confirmed yesterday that preparations for what they called the “mother of all protests” have been completed.
The protest follows the end of the 48-hour deadline given last Friday by activists and families of people suspected of being kidnapped by government security officials.
The deadline called for the unconditional release of all those detained after being kidnapped or, as they put it, “taking their grievances to the streets.”
The news sources explained that yesterday a day-long meeting was held in Nairobi to conclude the preparations for the protest that is expected to take place in several places in the country.
One activist at the meeting said, “Everything is ready.”
“We will protest fearlessly until the abductees are released. We don't care how long it takes. The time for talks is over,” one of the activists announced.
Last week, while calling for the demonstration, human rights defenders expressed their concern over what they described as extreme government brutality.
3. The Standard
The post reported Ruto he promised to expand his government by contacting more opposition leaders next year.
The President made the statement while warning against careless negligence.
Speaking at the Koiwa AIC Church in Konoin Sub-County on Sunday during the church service, President Ruto emphasized his commitment to continue reaching out to all Kenyans in the interest of national unity.
He said that political rivalry and rivalry should never be allowed to hinder the national interest.
“I will continue to communicate with Kenyans of all walks of life, regardless of their ideological persuasion, to increase the cross-pollination of our Republic's garden and ensure strong seeds for the coming seasons,” Ruto said.
He noted that although there had been friction between the government and the opposition at the beginning of the year, the year ended with unity under a broad-based government.
Ruto stressed that every Kenyan has a role to play in ensuring the country moves forward, and there is no time for blame or finger pointing.
“We don't have the luxury of a blame game or pointing fingers. We all have to protect the future of our children. It's our responsibility,” he said.
At the same time, the President called for joint efforts to nurture the youth as they go through turbulent times.
4. People Daily
According to the newspaper, the leader of the Opposition Raila Odinga has asked the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to resign for failing to deal with the increasing cases of kidnapping in the country.
The former Prime Minister warned that this controversial situation could spark public protests, especially among the younger generation, and called on the IG to immediately reveal who was responsible for the abduction or admit he is overwhelmed and resign from his post.
Raila went on to point out that the manner in which the kidnapping was carried out, involving the use of fake license plates and handcuffs, was unique, suggesting that it could be the work of the security agencies.
At the same time, the leader of Uganda of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Bobi Wine, has warned against the emerging style of kidnapping in Kenya, warning that the country is in danger of taking the same dangerous course as Uganda.
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