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Kenyan newspapers: Linda Mwananchi movement gains momentum, Gachagua begins 45-day political consultation, and Bitok transferred from Education Ministry
via Tuko6 min read
Kenyan newspapers on Thursday, June 11, focused on the country's budget battle, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and political developments. The Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, is reportedly gaining momentum, attracting figures like former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter. The movement, which started as an ODM-linked reform initiative, is broadening its support beyond traditional ODM strongholds and plans rallies in Mt Kenya. Meanwhile, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has begun a 45-day political consultation at his Wamunyoro residence, aiming to influence the 2027 General Election and identify a single presidential candidate for the opposition. This marks his third such retreat, with previous ones leading to the formation of the Democratic Congress Party. Separately, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok was abruptly transferred to the State Department for Tourism, just hours after a meeting on school unrest. This move has sparked speculation about leadership and accountability within the Ministry of Education, with reports of tensions between Bitok and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and concerns over Bitok's focus on political ambitions. Additionally, opposition leaders unveiled a rival "People's Budget," urging Parliament to reject President Ruto's KSh 4.82 trillion spending plan. Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the United Alternative Government criticized th
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Must ReadKonza Technopolis has achieved provisional registration for a wildlife conservancy, making it the first purpose-built smart city in Africa to do so. The Kenya Wildlife Service officially granted the registration for the Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy, a protected area spanning 404.69 hectares within the smart city development in Makueni county. This conservancy includes a 1,000-acre wildlife corridor, part of the city's 5,000-acre master plan, designed to protect biodiversity while allowing modern infrastructure and technological innovation to coexist with the natural environment. The protected area is part of the wider Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem and provides habitat for species such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Maasai Giraffe, zebras, and gazelles. Technopolis Development Authority CEO John Paul Okwiri stated that this achievement demonstrates that technological advancement and environmental conservation are complementary pillars of sustainable development. The conservancy is expected to boost eco-tourism, wildlife research, carbon-credit opportunities, and ESG-focused investments, aligning with Kenya's commitments to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 15.
Must ReadDetectives exhumed four male bodies from shallow graves in a gully near Mwingi town, Kitui, following the discovery of a dismembered body at the same site on June 8. Mwingi Central OCPD Antony Maina confirmed that all victims were found stripped and buried separately, with their hands and legs folded, suggesting an attempt to conceal them. The bodies, in various stages of decomposition, were taken to Mwingi Level 4 Hospital mortuary for identification and postmortem examinations. Kitui County Criminal Investigations Officer Cecilia Mugambi led the exhumation, and forensic teams are investigating the area for additional remains. Residents, including Morris Kinyatta and Ndanu Kimanzi, expressed concern over recurring discoveries, with some incidents near Kasina Primary School. Kitui MP Irene Kasalu described the repeated recovery of bodies as alarming and urged security agencies to intensify investigations, noting that this was the fourth body recovered in the last four weeks in the area.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union KMPDU has condemned an attack on healthcare workers at Gertrude's Children's Hospital by a patient's relatives. In a statement released on Tuesday, June 9, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah reported that a pediatric dentist, theatre staff, and nursing team members at the hospital's Muthaiga branch were physically assaulted and intimidated on June 5. The union described the incident as unsettling and a reminder of the increasing threat of workplace violence against healthcare workers in Kenya. KMPDU emphasized that healthcare professionals should not face threats, abuse, or physical assault while providing care, stating that such attacks compromise patient care, undermine staff morale, and create unsafe environments. The union called for prompt investigations by the National Police Service and the KMPDC, demanding that those responsible be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted. KMPDU also urged the hospital management to cooperate fully with investigations and warned against any attempts to conceal the incident, affirming its commitment to accountability and stronger protections for healthcare workers.