Kenyan newspapers review: Woman, 23, recalls last call with husband before death in Gen Z protests

On Friday, June 27, Kenyan newspapers reported that several families had been thrown into mourning after they lost their kin in the deadly Gen Z protests on Wednesday, June 25.

The dailies highlighted how Members of Parliament (MPs) clashed over plans to arrest former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly sponsoring the demonstrations.

1. Daily Nation

Kelvin Njau was among several Kenyans who were killed during the Wednesday, June 25, Gen Z demonstrations.

Njau lay in a pool of blood 12 minutes after calling his wife to let her know he had arrived in Kikuyu town.

According to 23-year-old Winfred Wangari, she spoke with her spouse around 3:48pm on the fateful day.

Njau, 23, called his wife on Wednesday after leaving home for work on Monday, June 23.

"I knew things were bad in Nairobi, and I warned him, but he was determined to come see us. He frequently left money at home and would ask me to send him fare. I never imagined it would be the last time," Wangari recalled.

A stranger answered her phone when she called back again and conveyed the heartbreaking news.

"The individual you are phoning has passed away due to a stray bullet," the stranger informed her.

She demanded justice for her husband's death, noting that he was the family's breadwinner.

2. The Standard

Kenyan MPs returned to Parliament on Thursday, June 26, after fleeing to safety on Wednesday to avoid the wrath of Gen Z protesters.

A section of lawmakers led by Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wa and Suna East's Junet Mohamed, allied to the broad-based government, accused former DP Rigathi Gachagua of allegedly being the mastermind of the demonstrations.

"My 105-year-old father and my 85-year-old mother were the targets of an attempted murder yesterday. I dare say that Gachagua is the one who directed the goons," Ichung'wa claimed.

In a heated debate, the lawmakers passed a motion calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to investigate the acts of lawlessness that were witnessed across the country.

Some legislators, however, rejected allegations that Gachagua and his allies had funded the statewide demonstrations.

They accused the government of trivialising the deaths of unarmed Gen Z demonstrators and disregarding their sincere worries.

"We must stop trivialising the concerns of young people in this country and avoid reducing them to a ‘Gachagua issue," Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi warned.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also dismissed claims that Gachagua funded the protesters, arguing that they were spontaneous.

3. The Star

In the wake of the deadly demonstrations that shook the capital, families flocked to the Nairobi Funeral Home (previously City Mortuary) to identify the bodies of those killed.

Following the protests across the country, at least 15 individuals have been officially declared dead.

The painful losses were evident in the mortuary as family members confronted the harsh reality of police shootings.

At least four bodies were positively identified in the facility, throwing their kin into mourning.

Among the victims were Kelvin Njau, Fred Wanyonyi, Ian Opango and David Mwangi.

4. People Daily

After suffering a cracked skull during violent altercations with demonstrators on Wednesday, a police officer is in critical condition in a hospital's intensive care unit in Eldoret City.

As mayhem broke out on the city's outskirts, the cop was allegedly hit in the head by a sling projectile.

Uasin Gishu county police commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that seven other officers were seriously hurt after being stoned.

The wounded officers were released from hospitals in the city after receiving treatment.

"The protesters became violent, and several of them made it obvious that they intended to steal and damage property. However, our officers managed to fend them off and restored order," Mwanthi said.

5. Taifa Leo

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has accused some religious leaders and members of the diplomatic community of allegedly fueling the Gen Z protests.

Kindiki argued that the demonstrations on Wednesday were sparked by requests for the youth to exercise their right to picket.

He cited the theft of firearms and ammunition and the attacks on several police stations.

"Today, I want to ask the church and religious leaders, as well as the diplomats and political leaders whose statements incited our youth: What did they witness - the destruction and looting? Is that what they intended? Is that what they were hoping for?" he posed.