Kenyan newspapers review: Police shoot boy, 14, in the leg, allegedly lock him in cell

On Friday, June 11, the Kenyan newspapers reported how a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg by the police in Tigoni, Limuru, and was allege...

On Friday, June 11, the Kenyan newspapers reported how a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg by the police in Tigoni, Limuru, and was allegedly locked up in a cell for two days.

The dailies also highlighted cracks in the Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election, indicating a power struggle.

1. The Standard

A 14-year-old boy has narrated how he was shot by the police three times in the right leg while playing football in Tigoni, Limuru, during the Saba Saba protests.

Solomon Njoroge, a Grade 9 pupil, is admitted to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and is confined to a wheelchair as he awaits surgery.

Njoroge revealed he was playing football with his friends on that fateful day when strangers in a white car showed up and started firing bullets.

"One boy fell, and I was shot three times in my right leg. After I collapsed, another bullet struck the heel of my left leg. The individuals who shot at us stole my phone and frisked our pockets. They then summoned their colleagues, who showed up in a police truck and loaded us onto it," he disclosed.

The 14-year-old said he was taken to Tigoni Hospital and given a tetanus jab and a drip.

"Later, I was loaded onto a lorry and taken to the cells," he recalled.

Njoroge's father, Kibe Mungai, a hawker, said the police took him in circles as he pushed for his son's treatment.

2. Daily Nation

Disputes in the Opposition now pose a threat to the 2027 joint presidential flagbearer plans, notwithstanding the public display of unity.

At least six political parties are represented on the team: Justin Muturi's Democratic Party, Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party, Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Party, Martha Karua's People's Liberation Party, and Eugene Wamalwa's Democratic Action Party (DAP-K).

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i have also declared interests in unseating President William Ruto.

Matiang'i will fly the Jubilee flag after he was endorsed by the former ruling outfit.

Sources within the camp revealed a silent power struggle, with the main contention being whether Matiang’i or Kalonzo should carry the opposition flag in the 2027 polls.

Reports suggest that Uhuru is supporting Matiang’i, while Gachagua is reportedly backing Kalonzo.

However, Gachagua dismissed claims of political disagreements and accused Ruto of sowing discord in the Opposition.

"We shall put our interests aside for the sake of Kenyans," he reiterated.

3. People Daily

Moses Kuria's resignation as President Ruto's economic adviser has sparked speculation on his political aspirations and the impact on the divided Mt Kenya region.

Critics wondered if his departure is a sign of true political independence or a planned attempt to further split the vote-rich region.

Kuria is one of the leaders trying to fill the political void left by Uhuru, who retired in 2022.

The former Gatundu South lawmaker headed two ministries before he was sacked and appointed presidential adviser.

Political activist Magochi Murachi opined that Kuria aims to position himself as Mt Kenya's kingpin.

"He has a feeling that he could be the referee in the region, and this will boost his bargaining power in national politics," he stated.

4. The Star

Ruto's bid for a second term could be thwarted by a move to push Raila to run for the 2027 presidency.

The plot, led by a group of strong Mt Kenya operators, is gathering steam, and emissaries have been covertly sent to convince the former prime minister to launch a last-ditch political effort.

The logic behind the move is that the disgruntled Central Kenya voters would readily support any scheme to unseat Ruto by including Raila on the ballot.

Raila's recent announcement to spearhead a Saba Saba rally in Kamukunji is a part of his attempts to re-establish himself on the national scene.

Another indication of his political resurgence is the establishment of a private office on Nairobi's Riverside Drive, where his possible candidacy is being discreetly discussed.

5. Taifa Leo

Over 98% of Kenyans support the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025, which seeks to legalise the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

According to the report presented by the Committee on Legal Affairs and Justice (JLAC), a total of 224,482 people voiced their opinions through public consultation meetings.

A total of 221,133 individuals expressed support for the Amendment Bill.

The report also reveals that 306 citizens submitted their views through the National Assembly, with 305 of them in support.