🔴IMF Issues Way Forward, Mukuru Quarry Bodies, Ruto Names New Police Bosses

By Washington Mito

Hello and welcome to the Friday edition of the Evening Brief Newsletter where the IMF has given its way forward as bodies continue to be retrieved at the Mukuru Quarry.

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IMF on What's Next for Kenya

Following weeks of mass protests and the withdrawal of Finance Bill 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given a way forward.

In response to questions asked by Kenyans and other organisations across the world, the IMF has promised to help Kenya attain its development goals.

The global financial body also noted that it was open to adjusting its programme with Kenya in line with the recent developments that have seen Kenyans up in arms over President William Ruto's tax proposals.

"The IMF remains committed to supporting Kenya's efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth and to improve the living standards of its citizens.

"At every program review, we assess developments and make adjustments considering the evolving circumstances," IMF stated.

Therefore, the IMF stated that it would continue engaging in discussions with Ruto’s administration on how the country will move forward concerning its economic and fiscal policies.

"Any potential modifications to the IMF program will be based on thorough analysis and constructive dialogue with the Kenyan authorities on their proposed policy package, with the aim of addressing the country's economic challenges effectively.

"It is also important that these policies go through a process of broad consultation so they can gain public support. We are confident that we will be able to find a balanced path forward.

IMF is one of the leading financial partners of Kenya and has extended loans to the country in recent years.

As part of the loan agreements, the IMF has been pushing for the government to adopt revenue-generating measures and streamline government institutions' operations and tax reforms.

Notably, the IMF was at the centre of debate during the protests following the tax proposals that were included in the Finance Bill. Kenyans have accused the IMF of being too pushy with tax reforms.

Mukuru Bodies

Kenyans are coming to terms with developing news from Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum where six bodies have been retrieved from a quarry near the area.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the bodies were discovered on Friday midmorning with all the bodies wrapped in sacks.

It was noted that the female bodies appeared to be fresh with others already showing signs of decomposition.

Local police in the area have set base at the quarry as it is believed that there could be more bodies.

Investigations into the identity of the bodies and the perpetrators of the crime are yet to commence. However, preliminary reports indicate that the victims were murdered as some parts of the bodies were dismembered.

”Bodies being retrieved from a quarry pit opposite Kware police station by youths. The police are on site as more bodies are being retrieved. Other bodies are in sacks chopped into pieces so far six bodies have been retrieved,” Mukuru Community Justice Center, a local human rights group revealed.

Koome Out as Ruto Makes Changes at NPS

Following his move to dissolve his Cabinet, the President also announced the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.

Koome is reported to have tendered his resignation after he was accused of incompetence by leaders across the political divide.

The former IG has also been accused of inaction against killer cops accused of shooting protesters during the recent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

Koome was replaced by Douglas Kanja, who will serve in the position on an interim basis until another IG is nominated by Ruto and approved by Parliament.

"Pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service, the Head of State has, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, designated Mr. Douglas Kanja, CBS the Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service," Ruto stated.

Here are the changes made to the NPS command;

• Noor Gabow - Removed as Deputy IG and redeployment within the public service.
• Eliud Langat - Named as acting Deputy IG for Kenya Police Service.
• James Kamau- Named as acting Deputy Inspector General, Administration Police. Service

Other Changes Effected by the National Police Service Commission 

• Ranson Lolmodooni - Appointed as Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU)
• Gilbert Masengeli  - Appointed as the Commandant of the Administration Police Training College (APTC), Embakasi.
• William Yiampoy - Appointed as Director of Operations, Police Headquarters.
• Kainga Mathiu - Appointed as Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA), Ngong. 

Weekly Kenyans.co.ke Quiz

Do you think you are a news guru? Every week, the newsletter team brings you a 10-question quiz testing your knowledge of the top news topics for the week.

Take our quiz and test how well you understood the week's most important stories.

Here are the top stories for the day;

• Blow to Ruto as SHIF is declared unconstitutional.
• Kindiki's brother reveals conversation with former CS after Ruto firing.
• IPOA releases updates of investigations on alleged police abductions.
• Govt to roll out new system for foreign travel by senior government officials.
• Three petitioners seek court orders to dissolve Parliament.

This newsletter was written by Washington Mito and edited by Brian Muuo.

Derrick Kubasu contributed to the content.

Graphics prepared by Adongo Kyalo.