On Friday, January 16, 2026, Kenyan newspapers reported a major political setback for former vice president Rigathi Gachagua, with several of his key allies leaving his camp.
Daily newspapers also reported the alleged multi-billion shilling scam in the National Youth Service (NYS).
Source: UGC
1. People Daily
Following the resignation of Juja Member of Parliament (MP) George Koimburi from the Democratic Party for the People (DCP) of Rigathi Gachaguathe former DP has become a big hit again.
A close ally of Gachagua, Koimburi, declared that his decision was motivated by “internal betrayal” and “commandeering” within the DCP leadership, which he claimed allowed local political rivals to undermine him in his constituency.
Member of Parliament for Githunguri, Gathoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament for Maragua, Mary Wamaua, Member of Parliament for Kangema, Peter Irungu, former Member of Parliament for Nyeri Town and strategist Ngunjiri Wambugu, and former Member of Parliament for Bahati Kimani Ngunjiri are among the important allies who have run away from Riggy G.
Several other MPs who have been supporting him have revealed that they will abandon him before the 2027 General Election, according to sources familiar with the ongoing intrigues.
According to reports, the resignations will continue as several MPs have been urged to cooperate with their colleagues on the DCP and ensure they switch sides.
An MP from Murang’a county who has been a close ally of Gachagua, another from the Western region who plays an important role in the DCP, and another from Mount Kenya East who has been at the forefront of defending him are among those who are reportedly considering leaving the new political party.
2. The Standard
In yet another alleged National Youth Service (NYS) scandal, new revelations have emerged about a complex scheme to steal billions of taxpayers’ money.
According to investigators, Kenyans almost spent more than KSh 6.2 billion in the recent NYS scam on clothes that were never worn, food that the youth service never used, diesel that was never used and boots that were never used on the ground.
However, the deadlock between the EACC and the DPP threatens to stall the trial, so that the suspects do not face a full trial.
The DPP, Renson Ingonga, has rejected the plan twice in separate letters, pointing out that there is no evidence to show criminal charges against the suspects, led by businessman Ben Gethi Wangui, despite EACC’s position that it has solid evidence to prosecute them.
3. Daily Nation
Kenya has managed to avoid the list of countries suspended or restricted by the United States.
The latest list was of ‘high risk’ countries whose citizens will not be eligible for immigrant visas from Wednesday, January 21.
The list, which was announced on Wednesday, January 14, included 75 countries, 26 of which are in Africa.
The list showed Kenya’s neighbors in the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda.
Burundi and Kenya are the only EAC members removed from the list.
Kenya continues to be at the center of US strategy in the continent as it deftly navigates the President’s visa restrictions Donald Trump as a strategic partner, an important economic partner, and a regional promoter.
4. The Star
Rebels of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have been detained by the President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga hinted at a pre-election alliance agreement before 2027.
According to insiders, the deal could be finalized as early as April, which has put opposition MPs, many of whom have pledged not to support Ruto’s re-election, in a difficult political situation.
Just two days after ODM gave permission for the deal, the UDA National General Council approved the talks organized by the party on Wednesday, January 14, in what appeared to be a concerted move.
So, critics now have two options: follow or leave.
5. Nation Today
Prime Minister Stay Mudavadi and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula have dominated the politics of Western Kenya for almost two decades, leading regional political initiatives and national level cooperation.
Following the death of former vice president Michael Wamalwa in 2003, Mudavadi and Wetang’ula took control of Western politics.
Since then they have been seen as the main leaders of Western Kenya, with the two being regarded as powerful politicians in the region.
However, their influence is decreasing following the emergence of new leaders, including DAP-K deputy leader George Natembeya and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
