Kenya Newspapers Review: Boniface Kariuki's Mum Says He Promised Not to Join Demos Day Before Death
On Thursday, July 10, local newspapers focused on President William Ruto’s firm stance against anti-government protests, spotlighting his strong response to recent unrest and the escalating violence that has rocked various parts of the country.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
The paper reported that on Sunday, July 6, 27-year-old Eunice Atieno Omondi fled to Nyamonye Police Patrol Base in Siaya county seeking protection from her husband, Bonface Ongili, who allegedly chased her with a panga following a domestic dispute.
Omondi reported the incident, and with police officers, returned to her home where they found the house locked and the children at a neighbour’s.
She directed the police to a local liquor den where Ongili, a fisherman, was found and disarmed.
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He was then taken to the patrol base and ordered to surrender the house keys to his wife before being detained.
The following morning, when Omondi returned to the station, she was not allowed to see her husband. Officers took her phone number, promising to call.
Later, she was informed that Ongili had died by self-harm while in custody. Shocked and grieving, Omondi questioned how this could have happened after she had sought police help.
Bondo Sub-County Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCIO) head Reuben Onchoka confirmed that a probe had been launched into Ongili’s death.
The circumstances surrounding his sudden demise have sparked concerns over police conduct and raised questions about what transpired in the holding cell overnight.
2. The Standard
The daily reported that Boniface Kariuki, a hawker fatally shot by police during protests in Nairobi, was remembered in a low-key requiem mass at All Saints Cathedral.
Though his body was absent, grief and tension filled the service as family and friends mourned a young man they described as hardworking, hopeful, and dedicated to supporting his family.
Kariuki had been selling face masks in the CBD when he was shot at close range. He later succumbed to brain damage after nearly two weeks on life support.
His mother, Susan Njeri, emotionally recalled warning her son against joining the protests. She said he had reassured her he wouldn’t take part, only for that to be their final conversation.
His siblings and cousin, represented by family spokesperson Emily Wanjira, described Kariuki as their only hope and spoke of the deep pain of losing him so violently and unexpectedly.
Friends spoke of his vision and ambition, noting he had dreamt of building a home for his parents.
They joined others in condemning police brutality and called on the government to end extra-judicial killings, warning that Kariuki’s death should not be in vain.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili publication reported that six people convicted for the 2013 murder of former Juja MP George Thuo have been released on bail, each posting KSh 1 million with a matching surety, pending the outcome of their appeal.
The six, led by businessman Paul Wainaina Boiyo, also known as Sheki, the owner of Porkies Garden Club in Thika, were sentenced to 15 years in April 2024 after the High Court found them guilty of poisoning Thuo at Porkies Bar.
Others released are Christopher Lumbazio Andika (Lumba), Andrew Karanja Wainaina, Samuel Kuria Ngugi (Visi), Esther Ndinda Mulinge, and Ruth Watahi Irungu (Atlanta).
A Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Jamila Mohammed, Francis Tuiyott, and Pauline Nyamweya granted their release, citing that their appeal stood a high chance of success.
The judges acknowledged that the appeal raised significant legal questions and was not opposed by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They emphasised the exceptional nature of the case, noting the conviction was based solely on circumstantial evidence, with four different strands presented during trial.
The court stressed it was not pre-judging the appeal but was convinced there was enough merit in the issues raised to warrant release on bail during the appeal process.
4. The Star
As per the publication, the resignation of Moses Kuria as Ruto’s economic advisor has intensified political tension in the Mt Kenya region, exposing cracks within the ruling alliance.
Kuria, who had served in the position for 10 months, announced his exit, citing “personal interests.”
While he did not elaborate, the move is widely seen as a strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political analyst Martin Andati suggested Kuria may be planning a comeback to elective politics, though his current influence in Mt Kenya remains uncertain.
Kuria’s departure is a major political blow to President Ruto, who is already under pressure from youth-led protests, growing anti-government sentiment, and signs of rebellion in Mt Kenya, a region crucial to his 2022 win.
A former Trade CS and longtime ally, Kuria had been instrumental in defending the administration and rallying support in the vote-rich region.
His resignation comes amid speculation that he intends to take over as secretary general of the Jubilee Party, previously led by Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kuria recently hinted at this on social media, fueling rumours of a broader political realignment.
Meanwhile, former DP Rigathi Gachagua is escalating his efforts to assert control in Mt Kenya, positioning himself as a possible 2027 contender or kingmaker.
Despite efforts to strengthen his base by appointing figures like Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo to Cabinet positions, Ruto’s strategy has yielded little political traction in Mt Kenya.
Nationally, his administration is facing unrest, with anti-government protests disrupting towns, causing civilian deaths, alleged abductions, and economic instability, intensifying the pressure on a presidency already strained by internal dissent.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
