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Monday 4 November 2024

Tragedy Strikes Moi University: Two Students Drown in Quarry

The tranquil waters of an open quarry near Moi University in Eldoret turned deadly on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of two students. The young men, identified as Wycliffe Machuki (left), a third-year student, and Chris Otieno (right), a second-year student, were reportedly enjoying a swim in the quarry located in the Kesses area of Uasin Gishu County when tragedy struck.

The circumstances surrounding the drowning remain unclear, but initial reports suggest that the students may have encountered difficulties while swimming. A somber mood descended upon the university community as news of the tragedy spread, with students and faculty alike expressing their shock and grief.

Confirming the incident, Police Chief Charles Chacha of the Kesses area stated that the bodies of the two students were recovered from the quarry and transported to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret mortuary. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the drownings.

Two bodies of the drowned students retrieved from a quary.

The loss of these two young lives serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with open water, even in seemingly calm environments. As the university community mourns the loss of their fellow students, it is a time for reflection and a renewed emphasis on water safety awareness.

Rest in Peace comrades🕊️



The Balancing Act: Public Interest vs. National Interest

Author: Jemedari Mwanawakiume

 The terms "public interest" and "national interest" are often thrown around in political discourse, sometimes interchangeably. While they share a common goal of benefiting society, they represent distinct perspectives, often leading to a complex balancing act.

The public interest focuses on the well-being of the general public, prioritizing issues like social welfare, environmental protection, and individual rights. It champions policies that directly benefit citizens, ensuring access to healthcare, education, and a safe environment. For example, advocating for stricter environmental regulations to protect public health falls under the public interest.

The national interest, on the other hand, encompasses a broader perspective, encompassing the nation's security, economic prosperity, and international standing. It considers policies that benefit the nation as a whole, even if they might not directly impact individual citizens. For instance, a trade agreement that strengthens the economy, even if it leads to job losses in specific sectors, could be deemed in the national interest.


The crux of the issue lies in the potential for conflict between these two perspectives. A policy that benefits the national economy might negatively impact a specific community, leading to a clash between public and national interest. For instance, building a new airport that boosts tourism and economic growth could displace residents and damage the environment, raising concerns about the public interest.

Navigating this conflict requires a delicate balance. While prioritizing national interest might seem advantageous in the long run, neglecting the public interest can lead to social unrest and undermine the legitimacy of the government. Similarly, solely focusing on the public interest might hinder national progress and limit opportunities for growth.

The solution lies in finding policies that serve both the national and public interest. This requires a comprehensive approach that considers the needs of all citizens while also ensuring the nation's overall well-being. This can be achieved through:

Transparency and accountability: Openly communicating the rationale behind policies and ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent can build trust and address public concerns.

Effective communication: Engaging with the public and understanding their concerns is crucial for finding solutions that address both public and national interests.

Long-term vision: Policies should be designed with a long-term perspective, considering their impact on future generations and the sustainability of the nation.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a society where the public interest and national interest are not seen as opposing forces but rather as complementary goals, working in tandem to create a better future for all. This requires constant dialogue, a willingness to compromise, and a shared commitment to building a nation that prioritizes both its people and its progress.

"I have had to ask myself whether the highest interest is the public interest or there is a higher interest called the national iinterest, because the public itself could hurt the national interests - DP Kithure Kindiki

Moi University: Back to the Books, But What About the Issues?

Author: Jemedari Mwanawakiume

Get ready to hit the books, Moi University students! After a month of campus closures and student unrest, the university is finally reopening its doors on Friday, November 8th. The decision came after a series of meetings between university management, staff, and student representatives, aiming to address the issues that sparked the protests.

But hold up, what exactly happened? Students were furious about the VC's decision to close the university, claiming it violated their right to education. They also accused the VC of poor management and ignoring their concerns about staff issues.

So what's next? The university is promising a fresh start. The management board and student representatives are finalizing a "return to work" agreement, and the Higher Education PS will be on campus to welcome students back.

But will this be enough to address the underlying problems? Students are hoping this reopening marks a real change, not just a temporary fix. The upcoming weeks will be crucial to see if the university can truly address the issues that led to the closure and create a more supportive learning environment for everyone.

Saturday 2 November 2024

Beyond the Headlines: A Critical Thinker's Guide to News Verification

By Jemedari Mwanawakiume

 It's important to be critical of the information you encounter online, especially when it comes to news articles. Here are some tips to help you determine if a news story is reliable:

Checking the Source:

Reputable Sources: Look for news organizations known for accurate reporting. Be cautious of websites with unusual domain names or missing contact information.

Beyond the Headlines: Headlines can be catchy but misleading. Read the entire article to understand the full context.

Author Expertise: Check if the author is an expert on the topic and if they have any biases that might influence their reporting.

Supporting Evidence: Look for links to credible sources that back up the claims made in the article.

Other Signs: Be wary of articles with excessive capitalization, poor grammar, or a lack of evidence.


Send message to VERIFY NEWS INFORMATION

Verifying Information:

Fact-Checking Websites: Websites like FactCheck.org and Snopes.com can help you determine the accuracy of news stories.

Multiple Sources: Compare information from different sources to see if there are any inconsistencies.

Reverse Image Search: If a photo seems suspicious, use a reverse image search to see where it originated and if it has been used in other contexts.