This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
Kenyan Newspapers Review: December 16, 2019 ¶
On Monday, December 16, 2019, Kenyan newspapers continued to report on the mixed reactions to President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to extend the term of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce and the woes of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
According to People Daily, leaders from the Ruto and Kalonzo camps have vowed to paralyse any attempt to impeach Sonko. The leaders, who are allies of Deputy President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, claim that they will use all means to scuttle the plan.
Other leaders who have come out in support of Sonko include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei, and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.
Meanwhile, Taifa Leo reported that some matatu owners from the Coast region have decided to seek spiritual help to boost their businesses. The newspaper claimed that some of the matatus in the industry are mere decorations, as they rely on juju to operate.
On the other hand, Daily Nation reported that Governor Sonko's woes are likely to worsen, especially if the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) decides to freeze his assets. The newspaper claimed that the EACC's move could target Sonko's luxurious properties, including those in Diani, Upperhill, Greenspan, Machakos, Buru Buru, and Nyari in Nairobi.
According to The Star, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji will appear in court on Monday, December 16, to file an application to have Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal's bond revoked. The DPP claims that Lenolkulal breached the terms of his bond by making changes to the county's cabinet.
Finally, The Standard reported that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched a process to re-demarcate some constituencies in the country. The move is aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised by some MPs who lost their seats in the recent census.
According to the newspaper, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chubukati has written to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) requesting information on the matter. However, the move has been criticized as a way to intimidate MPs who are challenging the census results in court.
