Grief in Kenya as 9-Year-Old Killed by Hippo While Washing Clothes

On Saturday, November 22, regional newspapers focused on growing political engagement, emphasizing vigorous by-election contests and the dev...

On Saturday, November 22, regional newspapers focused on growing political engagement, emphasizing vigorous by-election contests and the developing leadership conflict inside the ODM party following Raila Odinga's passing.

1. Taifa Leo

The Swahili daily states that Gen Z voters have indicated a potential change before the upcoming general election, noting they are willing to take part but still not registering in significant numbers.

A recent Odipo Dev study, conducted following the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations, reveals that almost seven out of ten young individuals plan to cast their votes, a rate not seen in over a decade.

The report highlights that a lack of confidence in elections continues to be the primary risk to this progress.

Youth and media researcher Winny Jerotich stated that interviews showed significant distrust toward the IEBC, as many young individuals believe political groups have an impact on the organization and that their votes will not be properly counted.

Experts noted that this lack of trust has slowed the emergence of a new political movement, even as public involvement increased following the demonstrations. The study highlights a change in the factors contributing to young people's disconnection.

Prior to 2025, numerous people avoided participation because of feelings of despair, skepticism toward leaders, and the perception that casting a vote had no impact.

This year, the daily reports indicate that young people express political exhaustion, broken commitments, and unclear organizations, viewing leaders as identical individuals in varying disguises.

The research indicates that the 2027 election might see the largest youth participation rate since 2013, provided there is an increase in registrations.

2. Saturday Nation

The report states that Rigathi Gachagua, head of the Democracy for Citizens Party, rejected President William Ruto's State of the Nation speech, calling it a discussion that overlooked the everyday challenges faced by Kenya.

Gachagua, who faced removal as vice president in October of the previous year, questioned the president's assertion that the nation was experiencing a Singapore-like phase.

He claimed the government was moving the nation in the wrong direction and criticized it for corruption, lack of accountability, and breaches of human rights.

In an interview with Mwendani TV and radio, Gachagua stated that it was deceptive for the president to pledge a shift towards first-world status while living standards kept worsening.

Ruto presented a long-term strategy aimed at improving access to education, boosting exports, enhancing electricity production, and constructing 28,000 kilometers of dual carriageways.

He mentioned that the nation had to allocate five trillion shillings to keep pace with the development of Asian economies.

Gachagua stated that the government ought to have abolished the Housing Levy and provided refunds to employees, contending that Kenya is not comparable to Singapore, where earnings are significantly higher.

He inquired how the president's plan aligns with Vision 2030. He mentioned that former president Uhuru Kenyatta enhanced Vision 2030 via the Big Four Agenda, whereas the present administration has substituted critical elements with new initiatives that he asserts lead to opportunities for corruption and depend on political pressure and giveaways.

3. The Saturday Standard

According to the report, a nine-year-old girl named Zawadi Zena Sababu was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus in Burangi village, located along the River Sabaki in Magarini sub-county, Kilifi.

A sixth-grade student was assaulted while washing clothes alongside her mother. Her father, Nyale Sababu, informed the Malindi sub-county hospital mortuary that the incident took place around 5 p.m. after her mother instructed Zawadi to collect water.

He described returning home from work at 4 pm to discover them washing clothes and quickly heading to the river after hearing sounds, only to find his daughter deceased.

"I returned home from work at 4 pm and noticed them doing the laundry. About 5 pm, I heard sounds coming from the river and hurried over, only to discover my daughter had already passed away," he said, trying to hold back his tears.

Increases in hippopotamus attacks along the River Sabaki have been observed, happening both in the water and on land during activities such as fishing, swimming, or near homes, at any time of day.

The family requested the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to enhance monitoring and enforce stricter actions against illegal hippos.

Family members and residents advised parents to keep a close eye on children near the river, especially during school breaks, since numerous locals depend on the river for their means of living such as shallow well irrigation and fishing.

Human rights advocate Thomas Karisa highlighted that hippos with their young are especially hostile and may also assault farm animals.

4. Weekend Star

According to the daily report, authorities are looking into a fire that occurred at the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) office in Turbo, Uasin Gishu county, resulting in two Kenya Defence Forces personnel being injured.

Three additional soldiers received treatment and were released after the event. The fire started from the gunpowder storage areas following an explosion in a magazine.

Eyewitnesses reported that two power outages in the region might have caused the fire, which spread rapidly.

The publication included gunpowder utilized for manufacturing bullets. Over 16 tonnes of powder, a platform, and additional items valued at KSh300 million were destroyed.

The fire was under control after midnight. Injured soldiers were taken to the hospital for treatment due to suffocation, with two being admitted in stable condition.

Law enforcement, emergency services, and Kenya Power representatives inspected the location as part of the inquiry.

KOFC, a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, is responsible for producing military equipment, machinery, and associated items, such as ammunition, and is classified as a high-risk facility.