On Thursday, October 23, local newspapers reported on Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga’s remarks which caused a stir after he appeared to celebrate the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
According to the newspaper, several national activities have been planned to honor the former prime minister Raila Odingawho died in India and was buried in Bondo, Siaya county.
The national funeral committee that supervised his burial in the state, is expected to hold a final meeting after the seven days of mourning to complete the honor service.
Among the proposed activities are a national festival, a memorial in his honor, and the renaming of public institutions to preserve his legacy.
Sources indicate that a national festival titled “Raila’s Legacy Festival: A Legacy That Lives On” will be held at Uhuru Park on October 31.
The day-long event will bring together leaders, artists, and citizens to celebrate Raila’s ideals of unity, peace and democracy through music, art and cultural performances.
Organizers describe it as a day of thanks rather than mourning, meant to honor a man who dedicated his life to public service.
The committee is also investigating the construction of a tower in Nairobi, while consultations are ongoing with the Nairobi county government to determine a suitable location.
In addition, discussions continue to name the national center after Raila so that it will be a permanent reminder of his contribution to the nation.
During Raila’s funeral service in Bondo, ODM Chairman and Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga they asked President William Ruto to change the name of the Talanta Stadium under construction in Nairobi to the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has written to the Ministry of Education recommending that the Technical University of Kenya be renamed the Raila Odinga Technical University to recognize his contribution to education and engineering.
The funeral committee headed by the Deputy President Kithur Kindiki and Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, has temporarily suspended its meetings to give the family time to mourn.
2. The Star
The newspaper reports that the family of Lucy Okech, who was shot dead by a police officer in Homa Bay, is demanding justice as the investigation is delayed.
Okech was killed at the entrance of the Homa Bay Police Station, where mourners were lighting candles to honor the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
According to the family, the officer who allegedly opened fire was arrested but has not yet appeared in court to face charges.
They accused the police of dragging their feet in the investigation, calling it a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
The parents of the deceased, Joakim and Consolata Okech, said they received calls from people close to the suspect asking for forgiveness, but insisted that only justice will bring them peace.
Speaking to the media, the family asked the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to oversee the case, due to fear of interference by people in authority.
Joakim said her daughter was an innocent bystander on her way home when the officer allegedly shot her without provocation.
He expressed fear that the local police may compromise the case if it is not closely monitored.
3. The Standard
According to a daily newspaper, President William Ruto is reported to want to strengthen the base of former ODM leader Raila Odinga, with plans to restructure his government to reflect the new political climate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Information sources indicate that Ruto aims to eliminate internal opposition within ODM while expanding his alliance by bringing in leaders from the Rift Valley, Lower East, and Western Kenya.
During Raila’s funeral in Bondo, Ruto announced that he would not allow anyone to destroy ODM, a statement that fueled speculation that he may be plotting to seize power or merge with his UDA party to form a grand political alliance.
Insiders say a Cabinet reshuffle could be announced soon, targeting people who depended on Raila’s political goodwill to survive.
Three days before his death, Raila reportedly told a friend that he planned to discuss government change with Ruto when he returned from India.
This has fueled speculation that both leaders have agreed on a sweeping change of government.
Analysts such as Kenneth Ombongi believe that Ruto’s move is part of a strategy to expand his political spectrum by choosing more partners.
The President recently invited KANU to join the government, signaling his push for a broader coalition.
He may also appoint leaders from the Ukambani area Kalonzo Musyoka and even considered giving Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, a Cabinet post.
Former MP Ayub Savula suggested Ruto could soon take over ODM’s operations, possibly even sponsoring its celebrations next year.
However, leaders such as Siaya governor James Orengo have warned against disbanding political parties, saying that there is a risk of returning Kenya to one-party rule.
4. Nation Today
The daily Kiswahili newspaper reports that the meeting planned to be held between the President of the United States Donald Trump and the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in Budapest has been postponed after Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump said he would “not waste his time” on negotiations without meaningful results.
A senior Washington official confirmed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, that the meeting had been suspended after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov failed to reach an agreement to end the war.
Trump later reiterated that peace is urgent, noting that both nations have continued to suffer heavy losses.
Moscow, however, maintained that preparations for the summit were underway but acknowledged important issues still needed to be resolved.
European leaders from Germany, England, France and the European Union, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, issued a joint statement in support of Trump’s demand for a ceasefire.
They are expected to meet in London for an EU summit to discuss further aid to Kyiv.
Meanwhile, at least six people were killed and 21 injured in Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.
Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying they showed Moscow was not under enough pressure to stop its aggression.
In response, Ukraine launched a counter-attack with British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to hit a Russian chemical plant in the Bryansk region.
Military officials said the facility, which makes explosives and missile components, was hit successfully after the strike penetrated Russia’s air defense system.
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