On Saturday, March 28, dailies highlighted the increasing infighting within ODM, even as the party continued to approve important resolutions during its special delegates’ meeting at Jamhuri Stadium.
Source: UGC
1. Saturday Nation
According to the publication, what started as a quiet Sunday morning in Sino K’Agolla village in Homa Bay County ended in a horrific tragedy that has left the community shaken and searching for answers.
Collins Okiro, 30, was at home with his wife, Quinter Awino, when two men, one a relative and another known to the family, arrived and informally invited him out.
There was no sign of danger. Okiro left with them, not knowing that it would be the last time he would be seen alive.
A few hours later, anxiety turned to fear when he failed to return home. A search by his wife yielded no answers until witnesses began to narrate the horrific incident.
Testimony presented before the High Court revealed that Okiro was brutally attacked while begging for his life, insisting that he was not a thief.
The case took a turn for the worse after a video surfaced online, recording the attack in disturbing detail.
The footage, which is now important to the prosecution, shows Okiro being restrained, blindfolded and subjected to continuous violence. Her cries gradually subsided as the attack continued.
The investigation led to the arrest of Suleiman Onyango Kabasa, an officer of the Kenya Defense Forces, who has since denied murder charges. His brother and the other suspect have not yet been arrested.
Witnesses told the court that the attackers justified the violence by accusing Okiro of robbery, an allegation that has yet to be confirmed.
2. The Saturday Standard
The publication reports that Oburu Oginga has taken a hard line as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) enters preliminary coalition talks ahead of the 2027 General Election, declaring that the party will not surrender its political strongholds.
Speaking after his approval at the Special Delegates Meeting in Nairobi, Oburu signaled the openness of talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and other like-minded parties, but stressed that ODM’s influence in its cultural base is still non-negotiable.
He described coalition building as a strategic necessity, noting that no single party was successful alone in the recent elections.
At the same time, Oburu extended an olive branch to opposing voices within the party, especially those who support Linda Mwananchi’s group, insisting that there will be no expulsion despite internal divisions.
His remarks come amid visible cracks, including the absence of key figures such as Edwin Sifuna at the meeting.
Party leaders supported the new leadership, urging unity while defending ODM’s decision to engage in talks with the opposition.
Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir emphasized that the coalition talks do not show weakness but show the party’s long-term commitment to inclusive politics.
With ODM regrouping after the death of Raila Odingathe leaders emphasized the continuity of its values, decentralization, unity and democratic participation.
3. Nation Today
According to a Kiswahili newspaper, at least 20 people have died in southern Tanzania in Mbeya region after massive landslides caused by heavy rains and strong winds, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The tragedy struck Rungwe district, where entire houses were washed away while the ground failed.
Authorities say the death toll may rise as search and rescue efforts continue in the most affected areas of Nkunga, Lupepo, Kawetele and Ikuti.
Among the victims are four adults and 14 children, including infants aged 10 months, showing the extent of the loss.
Several others are still injured and receiving treatment at nearby health facilities, with officials warning that the danger is not yet over, with more rain expected in the coming days.
The disaster adds to the growing regional crisis, with weeks of incessant rains across East Africa already killing dozens and displacing thousands.
4. Weekend Star
According to the daily newspaper, the intention of the President William Ruto to steer Kenya towards a first-world economy is attracting renewed interest from Singapore, signaling growing cooperation as the two countries mark 35 years of diplomatic ties.
The latest engagement saw Singapore send Chief Commissioner for Non-Residents Ernest Kan and a message from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a move that, while largely ceremonial, shows a growing balance in economic priorities.
Kenya is increasingly looking to Singapore’s development system, widely praised for rapid industrialization and good governance, as a blueprint for its transformation.
Speaking after the meeting, Ruto emphasized strong diplomatic relations focusing on trade, investment, infrastructure, digital transformation and human resource development.
Prime Minister Stay Mudavadi he echoed this sentiment, noting that Kenya continues to learn important lessons from the rise of Singapore’s economy.
Discussions with private sector stakeholders, including Kenya National Chamber of Commerce president Erick Rutto, highlighted important areas of cooperation such as IT, logistics, renewable energy, cities and financial technology, sectors that are seen as important for Kenya’s growth.
This is a strategic moment as Kenya is positioning itself as a regional trade and logistics hub, supported by major infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the expansion of Lamu Port.
Strengthening ties with Singapore also reflects a wider shift towards changing international partnerships and leveraging Asian expertise.
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