Kenyan Newspapers: Fred Matiang'i Begins Preparing to Face William Ruto in the 2027 General Election

On Friday, January 3, Kenyan newspapers analyzed the preparations for the 2027 General Election, where former Minister of Interior Fred Matiang'i wants to challenge the President William Ruto.

Daily newspapers also reported that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was in a state of confusion over its alliance with Ruto.

Top headlines in Kenyan newspapers on Friday, Jan 3. Image/screen: The Standard, The Star, Taifa Leo, DN and PD.
Source: UGC

1. Nation Today

Former Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i is preparing to face President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.

This comes months after he reportedly hired an international lobbying group (Dickens & Madson) to help run his presidential bid.

The United Progressive Alliance Party (UPA) associated with Matiang'i is aiming to promote itself across the country ahead of the 2027 elections which are expected rapidly.

Tom Maoso, a political analyst, said the powerful former minister could cooperate with his former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I see him putting himself in a position to join other political bigwigs, such as his former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta. Without the support of other influential politicians, his preparations are nothing but a joke,” Maoso commented.

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The analyst noted that Matiang'i can easily gain popularity across the country and create a strong political force against Ruto.

2. The Standard

Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki has re-emerged after several days of 'lack of performance'.

Kindiki caused a stir after he missed several events decorated by Ruto, leading to allegations that he fell out with the authorities.

For example, on Thursday, January 2, the Deputy President was not present at Migwena Grounds in Siaya County, where Ruto, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga they attended a Piny Luo cultural festival.

Kindiki was also absent when the president welcomed the president-elect of Ghana, John Mahama, to his Kilgoris residence. He also skipped Ruto's New Year party at Kisii Village State Lodge.

On Thursday, DP broke his silence by posting lengthy posts on social media highlighting the success of Kenya First Alliance.

“Deliberate interventions over the past two years have led to a steady macroeconomic recovery,” he tweeted.

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3. The Star

The Kenya First administration is facing a new wave of industrial decline in several sectors, with workers threatening to strike over unpaid wage increases.

The strikes, which are scheduled to begin this month, are expected to disrupt studies in all public colleges and the provision of medical services in government-owned hospitals.

The National Union of Nurses in the country (KNUN) and the University Staff Union (UASU) have issued separate strike notices.

In December 2024, KNUN issued a 21-day strike notice due to what the party called discrimination against members.

“We have made resolutions as nurses in the national central council that we will issue a 21-day strike notice to all 47 county governments,” KNUN secretary general Seth Panyako warned.

Ruto's administration, already facing a heavy economic burden, is now under further pressure from the development.

4. People Daily

The ODM party is at a crossroads on whether to support the Ruto administration.

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Since 2005, the political outfit has positioned itself in opposition to the ruling government.

However, after the leader of the party, Raila Odinga, joined Ruto, some members strongly supported it, making others hate them.

Finance Minister John Mbadi, Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga and Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed have been strongly defending the government.

On the other hand, the governor of Poisonous Anyang' Nyong'o accused the government of oppressive and dictatorial tendencies.

“If we don't stop now, we'll lose everything we've fought for,” Nyong'o said.

5. Daily Nation

The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) has proposed a new revenue sharing scheme among counties.

If the new formula is approved, 16 counties will gain a larger share, while 16 will lose.

The new plan proposes that income be distributed based on population (42%), poverty index (14%), geographic size (9%) and income distance per county (13%).

Among the losers are the counties of Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa and Kisumu.