Local newspapers on Wednesday, October 29, reported on various topics, including the horrific clashes between the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and reserve police in Turkana.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, the newspapers gave a chance to Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed to recall the last plan of Raila Odinga on October 16, the day after his death.
1. Nation Today
The newspaper reported on the deaths of two reservists of the National Police Service (NPS) in Turkana following a clash with officers from the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).
The anti-poaching security operation in Turkana South took a surprising turn after KDF officers allegedly shot and killed two reserve policemen who were guarding a KSh 40 million irrigation project.
The incident sparked anger among residents and leaders of the area, who pointed out that the killing showed a lack of coordination among security agencies in the area, which has been suffering from frequent poaching.
The deaths left four women as widows and 24 children, while the leaders wanted a quick investigation and justice for the families of the deceased.
Confirming the deaths, Turkana governor Jeremiah Lomorukai blamed poor coordination within the joint security force, revealing that he had already lodged a complaint with the President William Ruto.
The deceased, Lowas Ikari and Eyapan Loluk, were returning home on a motorcycle after their shift when they met KDF soldiers on patrol in Kaputir area.
Witnesses said the reservists, who were in uniform and carrying government-issued rifles, surrendered before being shot.
Following the incident, residents have asked the government to move the KDF camp from within Turkana to the border areas with South Sudan and Ethiopia, saying the role of the army should be to deal with armed groups that cross borders.
“KDF soldiers were sent to protect us, working with reserve police who know the area. But now they have turned their guns on them. It seems they cannot distinguish between poachers and security officers,” said Alice Abiyo, a resident of the area.
Governor Lomorukai confirmed that reserve police had been tasked to protect the Lokwar irrigation project.
He condemned the killings and called on the Ministry of Defense to intervene immediately, saying the tension and lack of coordination in security operations are jeopardizing efforts to combat poaching.
“If they were killed in an attack or by storming a military camp, we would not complain. But according to the information we have, KDF soldiers arrested them, ordered them to surrender in front of people, and then shot them. This must be investigated,” said Lomorukai.
According to the governor, the KDF has been neglecting cooperation with other security officials and local leaders, which has created confusion and put people’s lives at risk.
2. Daily Nation
The newspaper reserved space for Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed to recall the planned meeting he had with the late Raila Odinga.
Arrangements had already been completed for a meeting between the deceased and the MP in Dubai.
As the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet was expected to brief Raila on developments at home during their scheduled meeting.
Sadly, Raila died a day before the meeting was held.
According to Junet, he was supposed to meet Raila in Dubai on October 16, following Raila’s medical treatment in India.
However, the meeting was unsuccessful, as Raila died on October 15 in India.
Instead of attending the scheduled meeting, Raila’s coffin arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at 9:30 am.
“I did not accompany him (Raila) to India because we planned to meet on Thursday (16th) in Dubai and then rest until Wednesday, October 22, before having a big homecoming celebration on October 23,”
“We had planned everything. We were supposed to discuss the issues of our ODM party. I should have informed him about parliamentary issues in my capacity as Minority Leader. We were also supposed to discuss national politics,” The MP added.
3. People Daily
The People Daily newspaper reported on the apparent crisis in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of its leader, Raila Odinga.
Once unified under the leadership of Raila, ODM has split into three different factions, each competing for influence in Kenya’s rapidly changing political landscape.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, a longtime ally of Raila, leads the group advocating for ODM to remain in the wider coalition.
His team is interested in collaborating with the administration of President William Ruto to gain political importance through strategic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Siaya governor James Orengo and Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kisumu have committed to preserve Raila’s legacy.
They intend to complete their terms under the ODM banner, adhering to the principles that have characterized the party for nearly two decades.
A third group, made up of young and radical leaders, Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi, is pushing for reform.
They say that ODM must change in order to continue and they openly oppose the party’s traditional leadership.
Political analysts suggest the split is driven more by strategic differences than ideological ones, although internal tensions remain high.
Wanga’s group, despite its loyalty to Raila, is reportedly struggling to maintain momentum.
Meanwhile, Ruto is changing the political landscape. The unexpected re-emergence of KANU’s Gideon Moi has fueled speculation about a possible grand coalition involving ODM, KANU, and Ruto’s UDA party.
With ODM facing internal conflict, Ruto is taking bold steps.
He has warned famous people like Sifuna to follow that line, repeating the strategies used by the late President Daniel arap Moiwho usually relied on loyal allies to consolidate power.
The dynamics of the ODM leadership are already changing. Kisii Governor Simba Arati surprised many by inviting Ruto to leave UDA and join ODM, a bold gesture from a man who was once a critic of the government.
However, Ruto has made it clear that ODM will not return to opposition politics. He has warned young leaders like Sifuna and Owino against what he calls “divisive talk,” raising concerns that they may soon seek new political platforms.
Before his death, Raila managed to recommend important people, Wycliffe OparanyaHassan Joho, John Mbadi, and Opiyo Wandayi, roles within the Ruto government, perhaps as part of a succession strategy.
4. The Standard
The Standard reported on President William Ruto’s new promise on the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Highway.
Ruto confirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure.
While addressing the lower level leaders at Nakuru State House, the president announced that the long awaited construction of the road will start soon, following a new design to accommodate the large number of vehicles.
“I was scheduled to inaugurate the road last month, but when I realized that it was originally planned as a dual carriageway, which would likely be overrun within nine years, I ordered a new design,” Ruto explained.
The revised plan includes a four-lane dual carriageway from Rironi to Naivasha and an expanded six-lane section from Naivasha to Nakuru.
The project, funded through a public-private partnership involving the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), is part of the government’s broader goal of building at least 1,000 kilometers of dual carriageway across the country.
Ruto also revealed that Nakuru County will host the 2027 Power Day celebrations, with the new road expected to be operational by then.
He noted that KSh 2.6 billion had been allocated for the improvement of roads in Nakuru this financial year, while KSh 120 billion had already been given to contractors to complete stalled infrastructure projects across the country.
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