Kenya's Papers Reveal: Ruto's Camp Alarmed as ODM Muddles Raila's 2027 Ambitions
On Tuesday, April 29, regional newspapers tackled an array of issues nationwide, with particular focus on the BBC docudrama that shed light on purported misconduct by law enforcement during the parliamentary raid on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
1. Daily Nation
The document suggests that the ceasefire between President William Ruto and ex-president Uhuru Kenyatta seems to have fallen apart, resulting in new strains among their respective supporters.
Following a gathering in Ichaweri, Gatundu South, last December, ties between the two leaders briefly strengthened.
Things took a different turn after Uhuru subsequently encouraged Gen Z to stand up for their rights.
His recent appeal to young people to confront governmental overreach appears to have intensified the issue, eliciting robust responses from high-ranking officials within Ruto’s administration.
Upon being reached for remarks, Uhuru’s representative Kanze Dena redirected queries to the ex-president’s social media profiles.
"Please check out our account for the story about the event in Kampala," Ms Dena stated.
In the meantime, Ruto’s press secretary, Emmanuel Talam, separated the president from the assaults carried out by his supporters.
"Tthose individuals are adults; they share their knowledge. The President is not associated with those remarks," Talam declared.
2. Taifa Leo
The Swahili newspaper indicated that ODM chief Raila Odinga seems to be gearing up for a potential clash with Ruto, due to his criticism of the government's handling of road and development finances.
Raila has vehemently objected to the national government’s proposals to oversee both the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). This stance has enabled his supporters to criticize the administration freely.
Three ODM governors have criticized the government for hindering decentralization efforts, whereas ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna cautioned that potential collaboration between ODM and UDA hinges on following the terms outlined in their Memorandum of Understanding.
However, Ruto maintained that the central government could handle road funding more efficiently, thereby avoiding delays and mismanagement.
Raila dissented, stressing that the governors ought to be in charge of these financial resources.
"It is inappropriate for someone based in Nairobi to construct roads in Mombasa, Kisumu, or Homa Bay. This task should be handled by the governors, as they have a better understanding of their respective county’s actual requirements," he stated.
The governor of Siaya, James Orengo, stated that the governors are dedicated to guaranteeing the efficient execution of road projects and believe there is no justification for them being excluded from overseeing these financial resources.
The Governor of Kisumu, Professor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, stated that they possess a deeper comprehension of the road requirements in the counties compared to an individual residing in Nairobi.
The governor of Mombasa, Abdulswamad Nassir, wondered why the national government would hold onto this money.
Political observers indicate that Raila's moves might point towards a potential political change if Ruto fails to completely uphold their deals.
Isaac Gichuki pointed out that this might serve as "a message to President Ruto" and also act as a means for Raila to mollify his disillusioned backers.
3. The Standard
The report indicates that shortly after returning from an extended trip to the United States, Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru finds herself subject to a legal challenge aiming at her ousting from office.
Peter Kuria Mwaniki, the petitioner, contends that Kihika should not hold office as governor due to her possession of dual nationality—Kenyan and American.
He states that this breaches Article 78(2) of the Constitution, which prohibits individuals with dual citizenship from taking up state positions unless they relinquish their foreign nationality.
Mwaniki asserts that Kihika formerly served as an Assistant District Attorney in Texas, a position restricted to US citizens.
He claims this demonstrates that she hasn't disavowed her American citizenship. Additionally, he alleges that she failed to respond to an official request for proof that she relinquished her U.S. status.
The legal action cites Kihika, the UDA party, and the IEBC as defendants. Mwaniki contends that the IEBC neglected its responsibility to thoroughly scrutinize the candidates.
He additionally mentions that her ongoing tenure breaches Chapter Six of the Constitution, which mandates integrity and loyalty from government servants.
The petition arises due to Kihika’s prolonged absence from office and the resulting public outrage over inadequate healthcare in Nakuru. Mwaniki seeks the court's intervention to invalidate her election and remove her from power.
4. The Star
The daily reports that a possible presidential bid by Raila has unsettled Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition, with his ODP party sending out conflicting messages.
A faction close to Raila within his inner circle has asserted that the opposition party will nominate a presidential candidate for the 2027 election. This move could significantly undermine President Ruto's chances of being re-elected, particularly if Raila decides to run again himself.
The long-time ODM supporter, now 80 years old, has unsuccessfully run for president five times, always losing. He and his followers maintain that these elections were rigged against him.
Raila became part of a broad-based government alongside Ruto, drawing sharp criticism from several ODM veterans and numerous grassroots party members. These critics contend that this arrangement leaves Kenya without a genuine opposing force.
Raila has not yet affirmed whether he is considering a bid for office.
His main supporters have strongly criticized Ruto's performance, alleging that his administration is marred by corruption, lack of significant progress, and regression in decentralization efforts.
Several people close to Ruto have suggested that he broaden his reach, extending beyond ODM strongholds, as he initially anticipated gaining Raila’s backing.
There are growing concerns regarding ODM's resilience, especially following the recent grassroots elections.