Kenyan Newspapers, July 22: Kindiki Explodes on Gachagua after Claims He Sponsored Mt Kenya Violence
The newspapers on Tuesday, July 22, reported on the political status quo, with the fight between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, dominating the pages.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, the newspaper highlighted the apparent misuse of terrorism charges by the state to silence dissenters.
1. Taifa Leo
The newspaper reported on the political fight between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.
Kindiki scolded Gachagua after he claimed he (Kindiki) had spent KSh 60 million to fuel violence in Mount Kenya during protests.
Speaking in Boston, America, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto was also using Kindiki to politically humiliate Kenyans.
"They paid thugs to create violence and destruction so that Kenyans would turn against us, but people are not blinded," said Gachagua.
"The money he is spending flying around in helicopters could have been used to build and renovate hospitals and schools instead of just being thrown away on the pretext of raising the income of the people. The youth have all this," he added.
Kindiki, however, defended himself, saying that in his career in politics, he has never been involved in any violence.
"A man of traps, I have heard you say that I supported hooligans, in the long career I have served as a public servant, I have never been involved in hooliganism. You have brought yourself down due to your own arrogance. Your style of attacking people will only hasten your punishment," fired Kindiki.
"Even lying requires a little wisdom. Are you preparing a donation and hiring lawyers to save the thugs who were hired by someone else?" he asked.
The rivalry between the two politicians seems to be fueled by each one's desire to attract the votes of Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections.
2. Daily Nation
Daily Nation reported on the tribulations of activist Boniface Mwangi at the hands of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
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He was arrested at his home in Machakos on Saturday, July 19.
The activist was arraigned in Nairobi on Monday, July 21, and was charged in the Kahawa Court with possession of three tear gas canisters and an empty gun, away from charges that led to his arrest at the weekend.
Mwangi denied the charges of possessing the weapons without an official certificate.
After denying the charges, Magistrate Gideon Kiage ordered him to post a KSh 1 million personal bond before he could be released.
His lawyers Martha Karua, Ndegwa Njiru, Kibe Mungai, James Wanjeri, Njanja Maina and Ian Mutiso wondered what had changed after the DCI initially said he would be charged with terrorism-related offences.
Karua told the court to release Mwangi on personal bond, saying he had cooperated with investigators and there was no reason to continue detaining him.
The PLP leader, however, complained about the way Mwangi and his office and Lukenya residence were searched.
She also asked the court to transfer the case to the Milimani Magistrates’ Court because Mwangi has not been charged with terrorism offences.
3. The Standard
The Standard covered the goings-on in courts where protesters and activists are charged with terrorism.
This follows the recent wave of arrests and arraignment of tens of state critics at the Kahawa Law Court, which is designated to handle terrorism suspects.
Stakeholders are concerned that a trend is emerging of the state weaponising harsh charges to get back at critics.
"We note that while visiting the Kikuyu Law Courts after they were burnt down during demonstrations, Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Martha Koome made a sensational remark that the burning down of the court was an act of terrorism," stated the Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo in a statement last evening.
"While we joined the Judiciary in condemning the burning and vandalism of courts, we must recognise the responsibility borne by the justice sector in how we call for law and order. Evidently, our law enforcement institutions appear to have taken cue from the Chief Justice and are flagrantly abusing the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, whose threshold is distinct and intended for exceptional circumstances. We call upon law enforcement to desist from this emergent trend," Odhiambo added.
Activist Boniface Mwangi was charged in the anti-terrorism court for being in possession of two tear gas canisters and a blank bullet without a firearms certificate.
He was ordered to execute a personal bond of KSh 1 million after denying the charges, having spent two nights in police custody.
Reacting to the concerns from the public, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) clarified that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence.
The agency explained that the preliminary investigations indicated that attacks on public offices, courts, police stations, and government personnel were not spontaneous demonstrations, but calculated and coordinated acts of violence, hence the charges.
The ODPP, however promised that each accused individual would be accorded a fair trial, legal representation, and full access to due process in line with the Bill of Rights under the Constitution of Kenya.
4. People Daily
The newspaper reported on the detention of Kennedy Kalombotole, the main suspect in the murder of two patients at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Kalombotole was arraigned on Monday, July 2.
He is accused of stalking and killing patients admitted to KNH.
Kibera Resident Magistrate Daizy Mutahi ordered his detention until July 24, when it will be decided whether to release him on bail or detain him for another 21 days for investigation.
He was charged with the murder of Edward Maingi Ndegwa on the night of July 17, 2025.
The suspect is also accused of killing another patient at the same facility in February this year.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
