Newspapers on Sunday, March 8, reported extensively on the flood disaster in Nairobi, with President William Ruto intervening to deal with the crisis.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, one of the newspapers reported on the questions asked by the governor of Siaya James Orengo about the death of the late Raila Odinga.
1. The Sunday Standard
The newspaper reported on the questions asked by Governor Orengo about Raila’s death.
The Governor of Siaya, James Orengo, is demanding an internal investigation into the death of the former Prime Minister Raila Odingainsisting that he does not believe that the ODM leader died of natural causes.
Orengo said that the legal process could reveal the truth behind Raila’s “strange” death, while raising concerns about the circumstances of his deportation to India, suggesting that he may have been sent there against his will.
He emphasized that only an official investigation can provide accountability, adding:
“The only way Kenyans will know the truth is through an investigation within the states, with the authorities involved explaining the circumstances that led to Raila’s death. There should be accountability regarding the health of our leaders, it cannot be left unresolved.”
He further claimed that Raila was “almost forced” to go to a special institution in India, accompanied by people whose actions he found questionable. Orengo criticized the absence of a public report of the death investigation, saying:
“Based on publicly available information, it seems clear that the official source is not fully explaining the situation. I believe there may have been outside intervention. A thorough and transparent investigation can reveal the truth.”
Drawing parallels with earlier cases, Orengo cited the deaths of Robert Ouko and Julie Ward, stressing the importance of verification even when experts provide explanations.
He added:
“The nation is being asked to accept his death as normal. However, the public interest demands that we investigate the situation fully.”
2. Sunday Nation
The newspaper reported on the flood disaster that occurred in various parts of the country, focusing on Nairobi.
At least 25 people died following the heavy rain that fell in various parts of the country, especially Nairobi and its suburbs, on Friday night, March 6, while many properties were destroyed and hundreds of residents were affected.
According to a statement issued by the National Police Service, 13 more bodies were found by Saturday afternoon, bringing the death toll from the floods to 25.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the heavy rains that caused the floods also contributed to the lack of proper drainage systems, which caused water to quickly fill workplaces and highways.
The police also said that 29 people were rescued from different areas and are currently receiving the necessary assistance.
Rescue operations continued around the clock as police forces cooperated with other emergency agencies to search for those stuck in the water or dangerous areas.
According to initial assessments by security and emergency service providers, the most affected areas include Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B, South C, Pipeline in Embakasi, Roysambu, Kahawa West, Githurai and parts of Westlands.
In addition, several parts of the main road were also affected by floods. The affected roads include Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Highway, Thika Highway, Jogoo, Enterprise and Lang’ata Highway, causing heavy traffic and temporary closure of some roads.
Police have urged the public to be more careful when using the roads and avoid areas with heavy flooding.
Meanwhile, the President William Ruto ordered the immediate deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and a joint emergency response team to speed up rescue and relief operations for the victims.
In his first official statement on the floods, the president said the ongoing floods in Nairobi and other areas have caused great suffering to people, including loss of life, displacement of families and destruction of property and livelihood.
The President said the emergency operation will be coordinated by the Ministry of Internal Security in collaboration with the military and other disaster management agencies.
“I have ordered a joint disaster response team to be formed and deployed to coordinate rescue efforts, support affected communities and ensure that vulnerable people are quickly moved to safer places,” the president said.
The government has also announced that it will pay the medical expenses of flood victims who receive treatment in public hospitals in the affected areas.
The President has also ordered the immediate release of food aid from the national treasury to help families affected by the floods.
In an effort to reduce future flooding, the government has said long-term plans will be put in place to improve drainage systems in Nairobi and other major cities.
The national government has recognized the magnitude of the disaster caused by the ongoing heavy rains in the country, with floods reported in several counties and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Special Programs Geoffrey Ruku said floods have been reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Nakuru, Migori, Murang’a, Bungoma, Kwale, Kirinyaga and Tharaka Nithi counties.
3. National Sunday
The newspaper reserved space for the upcoming agreement between President Ruto of the ruling UDA party and ODM leader Oburu Oginga are expected to provide a detailed map of the political alliance they are forming between the parties before the 2027 general election.
Information sources say that the joint meeting of the UDA and ODM parliamentary groups to be held in Nairobi will provide a platform to take major steps in the formation of a coalition to support Ruto for a second term in office.
However, a group linked to ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna has strongly criticized the meeting, describing it as a big betrayal of former leader Raila Odinga.
Through the party’s deputy leader Godfrey Osotsi, the group with the famous slogan ‘Linda Mwananchi’ has said that continuing to discuss the ODM-UDA alliance when most of the 10 elements of the change agenda between them have not been implemented is a move aimed at the political interests of some ODM leaders.
Sources further explained that the issue of delimiting political areas is emerging as one of the most difficult issues in the coalition talks.
The UDA has opposed the plan, but ODM insists that each party should be protected in its strongholds to avoid internal competition that could divide votes and benefit opponents.
Minority Leader in the National Assembly Junet Mohammed said ODM is proposing the system used in the November 27, 2025 by-election.
In those elections, ODM presented candidates in Ugunja, Kasipul and Magarini while UDA contested for Mbeere Kasakini, Baringo and Malava seats.
Mohammed and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah sent invitations to Kenya First and ODM MPs to attend the meeting which will also mark one year since the signing of the agreement between Ruto and Raila Odinga on March 7, 2025.
In a message to the parliamentarians, Ichung’wah said the meeting will review the implementation report of the 10-point agenda agreed in the agreement as well as discuss the impact of policies and other national issues within the framework of political cooperation. According to Junet, Ruto and Oburu will use the meeting to announce the plan for the coalition talks, including naming teams from each side to lead the coalition formation process.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
