Kenya Newspapers Review: William Ruto Under Fire as Pressure Mounts for His Impeachment, Resignation
On Saturday, July 11, local newspapers extensively reported on the IEBC’s reconstitution following the swearing-in of its chairperson and six commissioners, marking a key step in preparing for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Source: UGC
1. Saturday Nation
As per the paper at just 23, James Wambugu had gone back to school with hopes of becoming a doctor, but his dreams ended abruptly when he was fatally shot during the Saba Saba protests in Nanyuki Town.
Wambugu, a student at Bingwa Secondary Day School, was allegedly hit by a bullet fired by a police officer while fleeing with a group of protesters.
Footage circulating online shows him collapsing and trying to crawl after being shot. He died the next day at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital.
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His mother, Jane Kinanu, confirmed it was her son in the viral clip and said she had not expected him to be at the protest, as he had left for school that morning.
Wambugu’s family is devastated, especially given his determination to become a medic after surviving a stabbing during a robbery in 2022.
His sister, Doreen Kathambi, recalled their last conversation, in which he expressed frustration at the government’s neglect of young people.
Four days after his death, no state official had contacted the family.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched an investigation, while local youths have threatened mass action if justice is not served.
2. The Saturday Standard
The publication reports that over the past decade, Kenya has increasingly become an unfriendly environment for both local and foreign businesses, with the situation worsening during the Kenya Kwanza administration’s 34 months in power.
Despite campaign promises to improve the business climate, many companies have either shut down or scaled back operations, resulting in widespread job losses and a decline in investor confidence.
The Federation of Kenya Employers reports that over 5,500 Kenyans lost their jobs between 2022 and January 2025 alone.
Several key factors are behind this worrying trend, including rising operational costs driven by high taxation, inconsistent government policies, regulatory overreach, and perceptions of political instability.
These conditions have discouraged potential investors from expanding into Kenya and prompted others to shift their focus to more stable neighbouring countries.
While Kenya was once considered a hub for regional operations, the erosion of business trust has made it less attractive.
Companies now face a tough climate marked by unpredictable policy shifts and shrinking profit margins.
3. Weekend Star
According to the daily the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) criticised police for failing to act swiftly in investigating an attack on its premises, where armed goons disrupted a press conference.
The event, held at KHRC’s Gitanga Road offices, had been organised by mothers of victims of police brutality to speak out against enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings.
The attackers violently broke into the compound, roughed up the mothers and journalists, and stole valuable electronics, including laptops and phones.
KHRC expressed frustration that despite submitting CCTV footage clearly capturing the attackers’ faces, law enforcement has shown little urgency.
This stands in contrast to the swift police response seen in other cases, such as the arrests made during the Saba Saba protests.
The organisation described the attackers as “state-sponsored militia” and accused them of targeting human rights defenders with the state’s tacit approval.
The footage shared publicly by KHRC shows individuals in the act of stealing and harassing attendees, prompting the commission to demand immediate arrests and the return of stolen items. They also appealed for public assistance in identifying the culprits.
The inaction by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has raised alarm among civil society groups, who fear an escalating pattern of state-backed intimidation against human rights defenders.
KHRC and other lobbies are calling for accountability and urgent investigations to ensure that those responsible face justice.
The commission has reiterated its commitment to defending civic freedoms and resisting any attempts to silence victims and their advocates.
4. Taifa Leo
The Swahili paper reported that the High Court has certified as urgent a petition challenging the 2025 Finance Act, citing claims that it contains discriminatory tax measures that undermine equality.
Justice Samwel Mohochi, who is presiding over the matter in Nakuru, directed that the case be heard on Monday, July 14, when the court will consider an application seeking to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Act until the case is fully heard and determined.
"The hearing on the application for interim orders to halt the implementation of the Act will take place on Monday, 14 July 2025," Justice Mohochi stated.
The petitioner, David Musyoka, argues that the Act contains tax provisions that violate rights and are discriminatory, placing a disproportionate tax burden on low-income earners.
He claims this contravenes the Constitution, which mandates a public finance system that promotes equity and a fair distribution of the tax burden.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
