Press Review: Here is what is making headlines
Here is what you need to know on this Friday, October 28.
Musk completes the Twitter purchase
According to a source familiar with the transaction, Elon Musk has finalised his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, putting the world’s richest man in charge of one of the world’s most powerful social media networks.
According to two people familiar with the decision, Musk fired CEO Parag Agrawal and two other employees. Twitter did not respond.
The completion of the transaction lifts a cloud of uncertainty that had lingered over Twitter’s company, employees, and stockholders for much of the year. Musk spent months attempting to back out of the deal after initially agreeing to buy the company in April, citing concerns about the number of bots on the network and later charges brought by a company whistleblower.
Musk and Twitter avoided a trial that was scheduled earlier this month by concluding the agreement. But Musk’s takeover, as well as the rapid firings of several of the company’s senior executives, has raised a slew of new doubts about the social media platform’s future and the various aspects of society it affects.
Court to consolidate case against nine DCI officers
The case against nine DCI officers arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of two Indians Mohamed Zaid Sami and Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan, and their driver Nicodemus Mwania Mwange will be consolidated when the case is mentioned on Monday, October 31.
Kahawa Law Courts Chief Magistrate Diana Mochache yesterday adjourned the matter in which five detectives allowed an application by the five suspects to file a formal application against the state’s request to have them detained for 30 days to allow conclusive investigations.
The five officers arraigned yesterday, Joseph Mwenda Mbaya, David Chepcheng Kipsoi, Stephen Luseno Mutunda, Paul Njogu Muriithi, and Simon Muhuga Gikonyo were arrested on Wednesday evening.
The others arrested last week are Peter Muthee, Francis Muendo, John Mwangi, and Joseph Kamau bringing the number of DCI officers in custody to nine. They all belong to the disbanded Special Service Unit (SSU).
The Special Services Unit has been largely accused of the disappearance of Kenyans, and calls have been made to the new administration of President William Ruto to ensure the suspects are arrested. Ruto ordered the disbandment of SSU, saying that the role of the unit was not legal and that it was responsible for the forceful disappearance of innocent Kenyans.
Chief Magistrate Mochache this week ruled that the DCI’s Internal Affairs Unit has jurisdiction to investigate rogue officers.
250,000 teachers to supervise 3 million candidates in CS Machogu’s litmus test
The forthcoming national examinations for Grade 6, Standard 8 and Form 4 learners will be administered and marked by the highest number of teachers so far.
The examinations will also involve the highest number of candidates in the country’s history, totalling over three million, while the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will deploy more than 250,000 teachers as centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, and examiners.
The commission deployed 242,406 teachers for the delayed 2020 examinations which were administered between March and April this year.
The unprecedented three sets of examinations in basic education will also present a tough test for new Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu Ombaki, who will be expected to deliver credible examinations exactly one month after being sworn into office yesterday.
Households pay KPLC KES 15.3B more for rising fuel charges
Households paid an extra KES 15.3 billion to Kenya Power following increased use of electricity generated from costly fuel generators, reflecting the inflationary pressure across Kenya’s economy.
The listed utility said that fuel adjustment surcharges to consumers in the year to June increased to Sh26.49 billion from Sh11.18 billion.
The increase is attributed to increasing diesel output due to a drop in hydroelectric power, putting a spotlight on power purchase agreements made with private investors.
Energy consumers in Kenya frequently complain about excessive electricity bills, with some of the expenses ascribed to idle capacity charges, which reimburse power generators for electricity created but never used.
The utility’s net income more than doubled to Sh3.5 billion, yet it did not distribute dividends for the fifth year in a row.
Sports
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to bid for Afcon 2027
Kenya has affirmed that it will submit a joint application with Tanzania and Uganda to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. If the offer is successful, it will mark the first time that East Africa will host a continental competition.
This will be Kenya’s third attempt to host a major football tournament after winning the bids for the 1996 and 2018 editions of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), but failing to do so owing to political unrest and lack of preparation.
The world football governing body, Fifa, suspended Kenya’s FA on March 31 due to allegations of government influence. Kenya is now serving this suspension.
However, the new application would face competition from a joint effort by Botswana and Namibia to host the coveted event in May 2022.
Arsenal Defender Pablo Mari in hospital after stabbing
According to Italian officials, a man snatched a knife from a grocery shelf and stabbed five people, killing one and injuring four others, including Spanish soccer player Pablo Mari.
According to carabinieri, police apprehended a 46-year-old Italian man suspected of carrying out the attack at a retail mall in Assago, a Milan suburb.
According to the news agency ANSA, a grocery employee died en route to the hospital, while three other victims were in critical condition. According to authorities, another person was treated for shock but was not hospitalised.
The motivation for the attacks remained unknown, although authorities said the individual displayed signs of mental instability. There was nothing that suggested terrorism.