By Ghost Writer
Wetang’ula questioned (Standard, January 21, p.4). Big headline but no story. What did Weta’s interrogators ask him? Intro: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is among 28 individuals who have recorded statements over the death of former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo in a road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, as detectives try to answer some of the lingering hard questions. Papa wa Roma recorded a statement. Nobody “questioned” him. He wasn’t interrogated.
The residents claimed the demolition along Catherine Ndereba Road, which began around 5am, caught them unawares (Standard, January 21, p.2). Alafu three paras down: Residents said they were given three days to vacate. If so, then it is not true the demolition “caught them unawares”, unashikanisha?
Human interference in Social Health Authority (SHA) packages has led to preferential treatment for certain Kenyans, creating a growing discrepancy in healthcare access (Nation, January 20, p.2). Why “human interference”? What other type of interference could result in officials of a public health insurance scheme fraudulently allocating higher benefits to family and friends? Can’t be divine, ancestral, environmental or lunar interference, can it, bruh?
Students admitted to Alliance High School reported on January 12. More than a week later, John remains at home, watching as his peers settle in classrooms and lessons continue without him (Nation, January 20, p.3). No, no. This is illogical kabisa. John, who lives in Kware, a Nairobi slum, can’t report to Alliance because his family doesn’t have the money. Sad. From home, how can John “watch” his peers at Alliance in Kikuyu, Kiambu, attending classes? On Viusasa?
Hillary Otieno, a nutritionist at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, describes food as a fundamental pillar of life (Healthy Nation, January 20, p.3). Ai, do you need a nutritionist to tell you that? It’s common sense. Report the real news.
The motorcycle cuts through the morning haze, its bright pink frame a striking contrast against the ochre dust of rural Siaya. Behind the rider sits a woman clutching a small bag, her eyes fixed on the road ahead (Healthy Nation, January 20, p.4). Bathed in soft golden evening sunlight, a Swahili woman dressed in a vibrant blue, brown and green floral dress tends her mangrove nursery in the small and quiet Matondoni village in Lamu County (Healthy Nation, January 20, p.10). Vivid description is the beating heart of great writing. Who said feature writing died? It is alive and well on Kimathi Street.
From her hospital bed, Wanjiru recounted the terrifying moments when four bullets tore through her body while her former lover lay dead just metres away (Nation, January 20, p.17). Who shot Wanjiru while her former lover lay dead? Turns out he did. Six paras down: When he came back, he opened fire, shooting Wanjiru in the leg, arm and chest as screams filled the air and patrons scrambled for safety. In a final act, he turned the gun on himself. Lakini si kwa ubaya mwanahabari, wasn’t this same guy lying dead metres away as four bullets tore through Wanjiru’s body?
If you want a home with a good environment, quality ambiance, reliable security, well-maintained road networks stable electricity supply and continuous running water in Nairobi, chances are you will be looking at neighbourhoods such as Runda, Lavington, Muthaiga, Kitisuru, Karen, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, State House area, Upper and Lower Matasia among others (Standard Property Guide, January 22, p.30). But Upper and Lower Matasia are in Kajiado, not Nairobi. Governor Ole Lenku won’t like this attempt to redraw his territory.
Journey to Olympics: Kenya’s Malkia Strikers on the brink (Nation, January 22, p.32). On the brink, kwani kuna noma? Intro: The nation women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, could qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as early as September, thanks to their high world ranking. That doesn’t put the ladies “on the brink”: a point at which something, typically something unwelcome, is about to happen.
