On Saturday, August 31, local newspapers reported a lot about President William Ruto's visit to the Nyanza area which is the stronghold of ODM leader Raila Odinga and its impact on political movements in the country.
Source: UGC
1. The Star
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has used a multi-faceted strategy to strengthen his position in the Mt Kenya region, aiming to consolidate it into an important wing of voters in the 2027 elections.
This approach includes reducing internal divisions, declaring himself as the real leader of Mount Kenya, and dealing with any opposition within the area.
Gachagua is also struggling to maintain his status as a loyal deputy Rutodespite rumors of a rift between them.
He has taken a strong stance by engaging directly with voters and addressing his critics through public events, including Mugithi, weddings and funerals, similar to how Ruto conducted his activities when he was Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta.
Part of Gachagua's strategy involves embracing the wider involvement of opposition figures in government, a move that analysts believe is designed to gain influence in the Mlima region. Kenya amid rumors that Ruto may work closely with Raila in the future.
Furthermore, Gachagua has relaxed his position on former president Uhuru Kenyatta, indicating his intention to reconcile him and his allies.
These changes reflect a broader effort to promote unity within Mount Kenya as Gachagua tries to stabilize the region's negotiating power and consolidate his influence ahead of the next election.
Recently, Gachagua called for unity among the leaders of Mount Kenya region and stressed that it is better to focus on national development and economic growth instead of internal political conflicts.
2. Saturday Nation
Raila's ODM could be the party nominated to lead the opposition coalition Unity Declaration.
However, for his critics, the recent political closeness and UDA of Ruto you are removing legitimacy.
The President's visit to Nyanza and talks about the upcoming coalition have increased the pressure on the Orange party on the appointment of four senior party officials in Ruto's Cabinet and the government's support in the bid to Raila to be the chairman of the African Union Commission.
It does not seem to make sense that the leaders of the four parties resigned from their positions.
At the same time, Raila has denied having any official agreement with the UDA or the ruling coalition Kenya Kwanza.
For those steeped in idioms, ODM is running with rabbits and hunting with wolves or it is talking out of both sides of the mouth – a script that has caused the political structure of the country to become circular.
Due to strong opposition in the August Parliament, Raila's move to join President Ruto's wider government seems to have angered the leadership of the Union of Resolutions.
Although some have called the action of the main opposition leaders who have joined the Cabinet as “self-defeating”, the party has reiterated that nothing has changed in their quest to hold the government of Kenya Kwanza accountable.
3. The Saturday Standard
A primary school teacher was brought before the Bondo court on Wednesday in relation to the murder of a 40-year-old man.
Jean Ogol, a principal at Sangla Primary School in Rarieda sub-county, has been implicated in the murder of Erick Marwara along with his co-accused, Henry Opiyo.
The two were arrested after Marwara's body was found hanging from a rope tied to the roof of an unfinished house on August 10, 2024, in Matangwe village in Bondo sub-county.
Police reports indicate that Marwara's body had visible injuries on her nose, left leg, right hand and blood stains on her pants.
“It was suspected that he was beaten to death elsewhere before being hanged inside the house. His feet were barely touching the floor,” read the report.
The body was taken to the mortuary of the Bondo sub-county hospital for examination.
The suspects, who were released on bond of Sh300,000 each, were brought before Senior Chief Magistrate John Nandi.
However, they failed to respond to the request after the investigating officers requested more time to complete the investigation and submit the file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
4. Nation Today
A Kiswahili newspaper reported that two children were burnt to death on Thursday night in a fire that broke out in a rental house on Umoja 3 street, Nairobi.
The fire started at 3 am in one of the houses before it spread and destroyed 20 other houses.
According to the police, the children, aged six and eight, were alone at home during the incident, and rescue efforts were delayed to save them.
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