Newspapers on Thursday, April 2, reported on the political situation in the country, with the possibility of a reconciliation between retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and former vice president Rigathi Gachagua gaining weight.
1. Daily Nation
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua they were seen embracing in public at the funeral of former Kirinyaga senator Daniel Karaba, which sparked speculation that the two may unite and form a joint coalition in the 2027 elections.
Uhuru and the former deputy president sat side by side at the funeral held in Kirinyaga on Wednesday, April 1.
This was the first time that the two leaders, who were bitter rivals before the 2022 elections, met at a joint event.
They were seen talking, laughing and enjoying together during the service which was also attended by other opposition leaders.
Wiper leader Kalonzo MusyokaMartha Karua (PLP), Dr Fred Matiang’i (Jubilee), and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya) attended the funeral.
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In his speech, Uhuru referred to Gachagua as “my brother Riggy G of Wamunyoro”, a statement that was cheered by mourners.
“I hear people saying that they are listening to the voice of the people, and even I, being in Ichaweri, am listening, but I want to tell them to stand up for what you believe in. In 2022, you made a mistake and now you are hurting. Now don’t repeat those mistakes,” said Uhuru in statements that seemed to be aimed at the voters of Mt. Kenya along with the DCP leader.
Gachagua, who seems to be a political legend in Mount Kenya, seemed to agree with Kenyatta’s remarks while insisting that he will continue his opposition against the current administration of the President William Ruto.
“Who said brothers can’t unite again? President Ruto doesn’t know this community, we gave him our votes and he thought he was one of us and he knows us well. Uhuru is my elder brother who we have a history with that Ruto is trying to tarnish,” he said.
The conflict between Gachagua and the retired president involved arrests, court cases, public tensions and sharp political differences regarding the political leadership of Mount Kenya.
Kalonzo, who is targeting Mount Kenya votes, said that in 2027, Uhuru and Gachagua must work together.
2. Nation Today
The newspaper reported on the possibility of the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula facing charges of contempt of court after opposition MPs initiated legal action against him for allegedly disobeying the order of the High Court.
The conflict stemmed from his decision to suspend Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi indefinitely, despite the court’s decision that suspended his suspension and reinstated him pending the hearing of his case.
Members of Parliament associated with the Linda Mwananchi group, associated with ODM leaders such as Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Osotsi, accused Wetang’ula of undermining the authority of the judiciary and protecting the central government.
Kibagendi went to court after being suspended on February 17 without being given a chance to defend himself, following his remarks describing Parliament as an “auction market.”
Wetang’ula, claiming to have personally witnessed the remarks, ordered the MP to be removed until he apologizes.
The suspension prevented Kibagendi from participating in sessions, committees and constituencies, putting him at risk of losing his seat due to his long absence.
On March 19, the Supreme Court overturned the Speaker’s decision, stressing that the independence of Parliament does not exclude judicial supervision.
However, when Kibagendi returned to work on March 31, interim speaker Peter Kaluma stopped him and sentenced him to a 14-day suspension under Standing Order 108, despite the law allowing suspension for only four days previously.
Efforts by MPs like Caroli Omondi to stop the action were ignored.
Opposition MPs are now insisting that Wetang’ula must be held personally accountable, warning that he could be jailed if found guilty.
3. The Standard
The newspaper reported on the administration of Donald Trump giving an assessment of the business environment in Kenya, describing it as highly corrupt where only those with good connections get government tenders.
The assessment, contained in the 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), has come when Washington and Nairobi continue to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement.
The report cited corruption as the biggest obstacle to US trade and investment in Kenya.
American companies face unfair competition from companies that engage in bribery or ignoring the law. Government procurement was cited as having serious problems at the national and county levels.
The USTR noted that Kenya has failed to fully enforce anti-corruption laws, while American businesses face direct and indirect bribery allegations from various government offices.
Despite the challenges, trade between the two countries increased rapidly in 2025. US exports to Kenya increased by 28.5 percent to 990.8 million dollars (KSh 128.8 billion), while imports from Kenya increased by 16.5 percent to 858.9 million dollars (KSh 111.7 billion).
This left the United States with a trade surplus of $131.9 million (KSh 17.1 billion), an increase of 285 percent from the previous year.
However, the report warned that the level of trade could be greater if Kenya removed non-tariff barriers, high taxes and rigid regulations.
The US also criticized Kenya’s customs systems and tax rates. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was blamed for expensive pre-shipment verification procedures and inconsistent assessment rules that delay cargo.
4. The Star
The Star newspaper reported on the government’s move to strengthen the National Infrastructure Fund.
President William Ruto appointed a governing body to manage the new fund, while Finance Minister John Mbadi was appointed as chairman.
According to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the appointment follows the adoption of the National Infrastructure Fund Law of 2026, which introduces a new system for financing large projects.
Mbadi will lead the council together with legal members including Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor.
Independent members from the banking, law and international finance sectors have also been appointed, including Professor Benedict Oramah, lawyer Faith Boinett, KCB CEO Paul Russo and financial expert Richard Etemesi.
Koskei described the fund as a revolutionary step towards inclusive development, moving Kenya from debt dependence to a system that attracts private capital for commercially viable projects.
The council’s first task is to establish the fund’s leadership structure, starting with hiring a Board of Directors, which will later appoint a Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment, published in the Government Gazette as Announcement No. 4796 of the year 2026, indicates the government’s intention to speed up the implementation of the fund.
Officials say the fund will focus on profitable projects, reducing pressure on public funds while accelerating development.
Overall, the National Infrastructure Fund is expected to play an important role in attracting private investment, changing the way Kenya implements infrastructure projects, and laying the foundation for sustainable investment-led growth.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
