On Saturday, February 28, Kenyan newspapers covered the results after the UDA’s landslide victory in the national by-elections, even as Union Opposition leaders stepped up campaigning across the country, seeking support for their coalition.
Source: UGC
1. Saturday Nation
According to the publication, former secretary general of the Kenya Union of Teachers (Knut) Wilson Sossion has won a major legal victory after the Court of Appeal ruled that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) unfairly terminated his employment in 2018.
The court found that although TSC had a valid reason and followed the proper procedure in notifying him, procedural errors made his dismissal unfair.
The decision revives Sossion’s political ambitions as he tries to regain the seat of the powerful secretary-general KNUT which he resigned in 2021.
His expulsion and cancellation of his registration as a teacher has caused a serious obstacle to his eligibility. Sossion was removed from the teacher list in 2019 after opposing the competency-based curriculum (CBC), with the TSC accusing him of inciting teachers to boycott training sessions.
However, TSC legal director Cavin Anyuor stressed that the decision did not automatically reinstate him, noting that Sossion is still deregistered and has not reapplied within the required 18 months.
The ruling comes a few days after Sossion officially informed the current general secretary Collins Oyuu about his intention to contest in the 2026 union elections.
In his letter, Sossion cited articles of the constitution and labor laws that support his ambition.
However, Oyuu rejected the move, saying that union rules bar anyone who has not served as a teacher for eight consecutive years from contesting. He also questioned the absence of a gazette notice to reinstate Sossion in his post.
2. Nation Today
According to the Swahili daily newspaper, former Homa Bay deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga has broken his silence on his sudden resignation, saying he resigned to avoid being dragged into political blame due to stalled projects and unfulfilled campaign promises under the Governor’s administration. Gladys Wanga.
Magwanga, who has announced his intention to run for the governorship in 2027, said that staying in office while preparing to challenge his boss would be something that could not be verified politically.
He said that any failure within the county would certainly affect both of them.
“If there are problems in the county, we will all be blamed,” he said, stressing that he could not criticize the administration he was still a part of.
Governor Wanga officially accepted his resignation, declaring the deputy governor’s seat vacant. He attributed the result to irreconcilable differences and divided loyalties, pointing to Magwanga’s decision to support an independent candidate in the Kasipul by-election against the ODM party line.
According to Wanga, his growing political ambitions changed the focus from service delivery.
Behind the public statements there is a greater division as Magwanga claimed he was locked out of his office since December 1, 2025, and could not justify getting a salary without working.
He expressed disappointment with the alleged failure to honor the pre-2022 power-sharing agreement on appointments.
After supporting Philip Aroko in the by-election, he was removed from his position in the position of Agriculture, while his partner, Dr. Peter Ogolla, being fired before the court reinstated him.
In his resignation letter, Magwanga accused the county of confiscating his official vehicle, refusing logistical support and terminating his duties.
3. The Saturday Standard
The newspaper reports that the White House spends KSh123 million on food, tents and entertainment during each of the three national celebrations, Madaraka, Masujaja and Republic Day, sparking fresh scrutiny of government spending.
The Comptroller General of the House Katoo ole Metito revealed the figures before the Committee on Administration and Internal Security of Parliament, headed by Gabriel Tongoyo, when he defended the proposed budget of KSh20 billion for the financial year 2026/2027.
He explained that the cost covers hospitality for more than 4,500 guests, including foreign leaders and regional leaders.
“It includes the cost of tents to serve guests, chairs, tables and food, you know, and it all costs Sh123 million,” said Katoo.
The disclosure means that KSh 369 million is spent every year on three events led by the President William Rutoa person who has raised the debate at a time when many Kenyans are facing economic hardship and drought.
To put that number in perspective, building a fully equipped and affordable classroom costs about KSh800,000.
Critics say that the money spent on one festival could build more than 150 classrooms, while the annual total could provide more than 460 classrooms across the country, a lifeline for schools where students still learn under trees or in crumbling buildings.
A University of Nairobi lecturer, Professor XN Iraki, questioned the government’s priorities, saying such spending tarnishes its image, especially when it seeks to get more revenue from tax payers.
“The spending is a stain on the image of the government, especially when the government is trying to get more revenue. The money should be used in important areas, such as health and education,” he says.
The disclosure also comes amid reports that the House has already exceeded its current allocation of KSh7.7 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, spending KSh10.4 billion, KSh2.2 billion more than the budget.
More controversy surrounds the organization of the president’s frequent political meetings at the Presidential Palace, prompting a lawyer in Nairobi to request court orders that prevent party events in official residences, citing constitutional issues.
4. Weekend Star
According to the newspaper, the car that was washed away by the strong floods along the Mara River has finally been found, a few days after an intensive search by various agencies in Narok county.
However, the bodies of the two men inside the car are still missing, while rescue teams continue to clear the flooded water.
The tragedy occurred in Mara Rianta when the victims, all residents of Kirindon in Kimintet ward, tried to cross the flooded river while returning home.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu led the rescue mission, saying the county’s Disaster Response Team worked tirelessly to remove debris from the river.
He described the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers caused by flooded rivers during the rainy season.
The governor explained that the sudden flood of the river overwhelmed the vehicle, leaving the passengers stranded as the fast waves made quick rescue difficult.
Special teams were later sent to assist in the search.
Ntutu urged residents to be very careful during heavy rains, warning against trying to cross bridges or flooded rivers, no matter how fordable they are.
The incident has raised new concerns about the safety of the Mara Rianta Bridge, which has previously caused fatalities during heavy rains.
Ntutu revealed that he is in contact with the relevant authorities to speed up plans to raise the bridge and prevent future disasters.
Narok South Member of Parliament, Kitilai Ole Ntutu and other local leaders joined the rescue efforts amid fears that the ongoing heavy rains could cause more floods and landslides across the county.
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