On Saturday, November 8, local newspapers focused on shifting political alliances across Kenya, highlighting growing fissures and uneasy alliances within the united opposition despite public displays of unity.
Source: UGC
1. Saturday Nation
According to the publication, when Kenyan youth took to the streets in June 2024 demanding accountability, many saw it as a rebirth of civil activism.
The movement, led by General Z, emerged as spontaneous, leaderless and without political or ethnic influence.
Unlike previous protests, it relied on social media rather than political mobilization. Hopes were high that Kenya had entered a new era of unity.
However, a new study conducted by OdipoDev and Youth Without Tribes shows that the dream is fading.
The survey found that Kenya’s online space has grown more ethnic than it was a year ago.
Political activists and organized online campaigns are reportedly tapping into the same youthful energy that once rejected tribalism.
The study analyzed more than six million posts on X between January 2024 and October 2025. It found a significant increase in tribal discussions, with daily posts increasing from 6,000 in 2024 to 10,000 in 2025.
About half of these carried toxic or divisive tones. Negative ethnic posts increased from 39% in 2024 to 49% in 2025.
The head of OdipoDev Research, Patricia Andago, warned that the continuation of the division could destroy the progress made in 2024.
He said the increase in ethnic hostility could lead to political tension similar to that seen in 2007 and 2008.
Analysts noted that politicians are manipulating online spaces by paying influencers and running troll farms to control the narrative.
Tribeless Youth Director, Wanjiku Kihika, said these coordinated efforts are aimed at fueling tribal divisions.
2. The Saturday Standard
The newspaper reports that an autopsy confirmed that four-year-old Rachvill Anyika, who is said to have died Ongata Rongaihe drowned.
The examination, conducted at the Ongata Rongai Sub-County Hospital, showed that the child had fluid in his lungs and stomach but there were no physical injuries.
The representative of the family, Raphael Atsiaya, said that the autopsy eliminated the initial suspicions of assault.
He explained that the only unusual finding was the presence of water, raising questions about how the boy ended up in the river.
Relatives said Anyika left home at around 7pm to play and was later found dead in the Ole Kasasi River at around 9pm.
Jackson Muli, another family member, said they were satisfied with the results of the autopsy but hoped the ongoing investigation would clarify what happened.
Initial reports suggested that two boys, aged 10 and 12, tied Anyika’s hands and feet before throwing her into the river. There were also allegations that she might have been raped before drowning.
However, the Police Commander of Ongata Rongai Sub-county, Benjamin Kiprono, said the information about the incident was unusual.
He explained that the first report showed the children were playing in the seasonal river using an old box as a makeshift boat. It is alleged that the box hit a rock and overturned, causing the boy to drown.
Kiprono added that the autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death and ruled out foul play. He said the investigation will continue to determine the exact situation.
3. The Star
According to the newspaper, the united opposition plans to oppose the President William Ruto in the 2027 election, it is reported that it is fighting internal divisions despite indicating the unity of the public.
The newspaper showed that although leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper Party and Rigathi Gachagua While the Democratic Congress Party has reaffirmed its commitment to working together, divisions are deepening behind the scenes.
Jubilee’s deputy organizing secretary, Pauline Njoroge, admitted that there were growing cracks within the opposition.
He blamed the interference of the government and criticized the members for attacking each other instead of considering the government.
The most visible division is said to be between the former vice president and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i, who are both aiming for influence in the opposition.
According to the daily newspaper, there are two camps emerging, one led by Kalonzo, Gachagua, and Justin Muturiand another supporting Martha Karua, Matiang’i, and Mukhisa Kituyi.
Efforts to create a joint secretariat have been slowed by mistrust, with some leaders skipping joint events.
Reports indicated that Matiang’i, endorsed by the Jubilee Party as its presidential candidate, has been excluded from several meetings.
“I assure Kenyans that the leaders of the united opposition will stick together and produce one candidate. I am looking at the presidency, which I will achieve only through a united opposition. We will continue to be united,” Matiang’i promised.
On the other hand, Gachagua prefers a field-driven campaign approach and publicly supports Kalonzo’s bid.
He claimed that the presidency would not fail through “boardroom deals.”
Political analysts said the alliance is facing the same challenges that have plagued past alliances such as NASA and Azimio.
4. Nation Today
According to the Swahili daily newspaper, they had gathered at their rural home to make their old mother happy again.
What was meant to be a night of laughter and celebration turned tragic when a landslide occurred in Kaptul village in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet county, burying homes and dreams under mud and rocks.
By dawn, nine members of one family were dead, among them children who had gone to help prepare for an unprecedented celebration.
John Khurha, a catechist and father of four, said the November 1 tragedy turned the long-awaited family reunion into a nightmare.
He lost his mother, his siblings, and all his children in one night. Speaking with tears in his eyes, he said he was overwhelmed and could not understand the tragedy that befell them.
The family had planned the meeting several months ago to visit their 84-year-old mother, Elizabeth Tula Yano.
On October 31, his sisters and their children arrived to prepare for the event. Khurha children joined in to help cook and collect firewood.
That night, heavy rain caused a landslide that hit the village.
Khurha and his wife escaped to higher ground but watched helplessly as their house was destroyed.
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