On Saturday, August 17, local newspapers reported extensively on the internal power struggles within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, where former Secretary General Cleophas Malala is fighting for his place in the party.

The newspaper also highlighted the looming education crisis after teachers’ unions affiliated to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) announced a new seven-day strike after all mediation efforts failed.

1. The Saturday Standard

A patient died after jumping from the second floor of a hospital.

The 35-year-old was treated at the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Senior medical officer Dr Andrew Wamalwa said the patient was admitted to the male ward showing signs of severe confusion after recently losing several family members within a short period of time.

The senior doctor said the patient had shown signs of physical restlessness during the night but was sedated and put to sleep by the nurse on duty to control the situation.

But at around 4 a.m., while the nurse in charge was tending to another patient, the man became violent and jumped to his death. Police Commander Jeremiah Kosiom confirmed that investigations were underway

2. Saturday Nation

John Mbadi, Minister of National Finance and Planning Cabinet, revealed that his talks with International Monetary Fund (IMF) representative Selim Cakir revolved around a board meeting between Kenya and the lender scheduled for September this year.

Mbadi rejected claims that the IMF imposed conditions on the government during the meeting, saying no terms or conditions of any loan were discussed.

“We have just had a general discussion about the upcoming board meeting in September. You will recall that the meeting was supposed to be held in July but did not take place for reasons known to all of us,” Mbadi said.

The IMF Executive Board was scheduled to meet in July to approve a funding cut, but the meeting did not take place due to anti-government protests and the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, which resulted in a funding gap of KSh346 billion.

The government expects to disburse about US$600 million (Kenya shillings 78.16 billion) from the IMF if the institution’s board approves the seventh review of Kenya’s medium-term financing program.

According to Mbadi, the talks also focused on the illegality of the Finance Act 2023, which was found by the courts.

“The representative expressed concern that the country could face revenue shortfalls following the decision on the 2023 Finance Bill,” Mbadi said.

The CS said that Cakir was something like an intermediary between the fund and the country, so the meeting was normal as he was taking on a new position.

3. Taifa Lion

The Swahili newspaper reported that four associates of politician Jimi Wanjigi, who were arrested outside his residence during the Nane Nane protests, were charged with possession of weapons after being held by police for eight days.

Duncan Otieno, Calvin Odongo, Kennedy Asewe and Josiah Otimo denied the charges of possessing grenades and explosives and were accused of preparing to commit a crime.

The four were charged before Justice Rose Ndombi at the Milimani Court. Attempts to have the charges dismissed on the grounds that they were ill-treated because of their association with Safina party leader Jimi Wanjigi were unsuccessful.

Their lawyer Owiso applied for their release on bail, arguing that they were victims of the political conflict between Wanjigi and the government over his involvement in the Gen Z protests.

He explained that the four were employees of Wanjigi and could not afford a high bail. The prosecution did not oppose the bail application but told the court that the defence was trying to intimidate the prosecution and the court by mentioning the names of prominent politicians.

Judge Ndombi released the four on bail of KSh100,000 each. Bail will be set until September 4, 2024, when the case will be heard.

4. The Star

The government has proposed high-level talks with teachers’ and university staff unions to resolve the ongoing dispute over breaches of collective agreements.

With this announcement, President William Ruto responded to threats of strikes by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) if the collective agreements were not respected.

The unions have announced through their leaders that they will mobilize their members to boycott classes when schools reopen on August 26.

In response, President Ruto called on unions to reconsider their strike plans and engage in dialogue, assuring them that efforts were being made to find an amicable solution to the problem.

Ruto stressed the importance of cooperation between the National Treasury, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the teaching profession to find a solution.

He stressed that the government will fulfill its obligations to prevent disruptions in the education sector.

Source: TUKO.co.ke