On Saturday, October 25, dailies reported that politicians who were allies of former prime minister Raila Odinga are clashing as they compete to control his former camp of supporters.
Source: UGC
1. Saturday Nation
The publication reports that MPs are demanding an explanation from the Ministry of Education regarding the delay in disbursement of funds to public schools, which were sent after the end of the semester.
Education Cabinet Minister Julius Ogamba had promised that the money would reach schools early, but the allocation was delayed, causing anger.
Documents show that public primary schools received KSh 283 per student, while secondary schools under the Free Day Secondary Education program received KSh 10,376 per student, up from the previous KSh 22,244 annually.
The allocation for the First Semester was KSh 4,196.80 per student, including KSh 821.50 for fees and KSh 3,375.30 for operating expenses, while the ministry retained KSh 260.
Ogamba told the newspaper that KSh16.6 billion was released to support national examinations, facilitate school activities, and reduce financial stress.
He explained that the funds were released after an audit to verify the number of students, but the schools did not receive the money as promised, which angered the lawmakers.
Member of Parliament for Kabondo Kasipul, Eve Obara, said the Education Committee may call the Minister to explain the delay. Gilgil Member of Parliament, Martha Wangari, condemned the Minister for disrespecting Parliament, noting that lying to Parliament is a serious matter.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah wanted the release of part of the money while the audit continues, estimating that half of the students’ names are valid.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed questioned the lengthy review, saying it should not take a year to verify schools and students.
Tharaka Member of Parliament, George Murugara, warned that students will face national exams under difficult conditions, while Nyando Member of Parliament, Jared Okelo, urged the monitoring of the money to determine its use.
The delay in the funding has led to concerns about poor management, the integrity of the inspection process, and the need for timely support for schools to ensure good learning conditions and preparation for national exams.
2. The Saturday Standard
According to the newspaper, the final moments and national funeral of former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga captivated Kenya and the world, combining personal wishes, public grief, and national celebration.
Raila, 80, collapsed during a morning walk at the Sreedhariyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital in Kochi, India, where he had sought treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems.
His fall followed his daughter Rosemary’s success at the same hospital in regaining her sight.
Despite resuscitation efforts, including CPR, emergency intubation, and intensive care intervention, Raila died at Devamatha Hospital.
The hospital’s cardiologist described the sudden cardiac arrest as a tragedy but consistent with his medical condition.
When he died, the Indian government officially notified the Kenyan Embassy, prompting the rapid coordination of the repatriation of his body.
The military airlifted the remains from Kochi to New Delhi, followed by an airlift Kenya Airways to Nairobi.
Odinga’s family petitioned for his will, asking for a burial within 72 hours, which sparked debate among Luo elders and a court challenge that was dismissed.
The arrival of Raila’s remains at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport exceeded official protocol, with thousands of mourners taking control of the proceedings, singing and breaching security to pay their respects.
The Kenya Airports Authority temporarily closed the airport for a security review.
The funeral procession to Bondo proceeded slowly, with great public participation, culminating in a government program at Nyayo Stadium that combined Raila’s personal wishes for a quick burial with public mourning.
Family members, including daughter Winnie Odinga and his wife Ida Odinga, gave personal reflections on his last moments, emphasizing his personality and strength.
Political leaders, including the President William Rutoacknowledged Raila’s decades of contributions to democracy and inclusion.
Observers noted his enduring influence and popular support, stressing that Raila remained popular despite never winning the presidency.
3. Weekend Star
According to the newspaper, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing internal tension following the death of Raila, leading to a special meeting of the Central Committee in Nairobi.
The meeting, chaired by Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, aims to address the confusion of leadership, factions, and the future direction of the party, especially regarding cooperation with President William Ruto’s Democratic Union (UDA) before the 2027 elections.
The National Assembly had previously appointed Oburu as acting leader of the party, a move that some see as an effort to strengthen control and rein in visible rebels within ODM.
Important people, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and James Orengohave publicly opposed any position with Ruto, causing pressure on the party leadership to maintain unity.
Sources indicate that party insiders are moving cautiously, heeding Raila’s last instructions given by his sister Ruth, stressing the need for a united and strong ODM.
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Monday’s meeting will focus on several agendas: building unity, preparing for the upcoming by-elections, celebrating ODM’s 20th anniversary, and reviewing the 10-point UDA-ODM agreement.
The Central Committee includes the leader of the party, national chairman Gladys Wanga, treasurer Timothy Bosire, leaders of the youth and women’s league, and representatives of people with disabilities, among others.
The discussions are also expected to lay the groundwork for a national conference of delegates, where new national leaders will be elected.
Observers warn that the leadership struggle could intensify, and be compared to the post-mortem conflicts at Ford Kenya following the death of Oginga Odinga.
Some insiders suggest that dissident members may consider political alternatives if the party joins forces with pro-government groups.
ODM faces a difficult time as it tries to balance Raila’s legacy, internal cohesion, and strategic position with Kenya’s changing political landscape.
4. Nation Today
Swahili newspaper daily reports that Lawyer Lucy Nyamoita Momanyi told the Nairobi High Court that she resigned as administrator and trustee of the estate of the late James Simon Bellhouse worth KSh 50 billion after receiving death threats from former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.
Momanyi testified that Sonko confronted him in the High Court of Mombasa, accusing him of mismanaging the property, causing him to resign for security reasons.
Court records show that in 2007 Bellhouse will appoint Mrs. Momanyi and widow, Joy Nadzua Bellhouse, as administrators and ordered the burial to be held at Shimba Hills farm in Kwale county.
Bellhouse died in 2009, leaving 80 acres of Diani beach land worth KSh 48 billion and shares in many companies.
The lawyer is seeking a court order preventing Sonko from speaking about his law firm, LN Momanyi & Company Advocates, about the property, and is seeking damages for defamation and legal costs.
He said Sonko’s public remarks damaged his reputation and caused loss to the client.
Sonko, through his lawyer, denied the allegations, insisting that he did not insult or defame Momanyi.
The case continues in court as the lawyer seeks protection and compensation due to alleged threats and reputational damage associated with the management of the property.
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