Newspapers on Tuesday, November 4, reported on a variety of topics, with political developments leading up to the 2027 elections dominating the front pages.
Source: UGC
The united opposition is said to be strategizing for victory in 2027, with reports indicating that the former vice president, Rigathi Gachaguahe may put aside his ambition to run for the presidency.
1. The Star
According to The Starthe former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has agreed to support the leader of the Wiper party, Kalonzo Musyokain his bid to run for the presidency in 2027.
This alliance comes at a time when Gachagua, who was removed from power last year through a legal removal process, is looking to fix his political future while positioning himself to return to power.
According to sources close to Gachagua, the former DP will not run for the presidency but will be given 50 percent of the government if they succeed in defeating President William Ruto in the next election.
An MP from the Mt Kenya region who is familiar with the talks said, “The contract is complete and guaranteed.”
In that arrangement, the Governor of Trans Nzoia, George Natembeya, is expected to be Kalonzo’s running mate, while Fred Matiang’i is expected to hold the position of Prime Minister or Prime Minister.
The political framework also involves Eugene Wamalwa, who has been nominated as Speaker of the National Assembly, and Martha Karua, who may be given the position of Speaker of the Senate if she does not run for Kirinyaga governorship again.
This coalition-building effort involves a small group of people, including Gachagua, Kalonzo, and a lawyer tasked with drafting a power-sharing agreement before the elections.
Despite his removal from power, questions have still been raised about Gachagua’s political future and whether he can still run for political office again.
According to legal experts, an impeached official may face certain restrictions in running again, depending on the reasons for his removal and the legal framework related to the election.
The famous lawyer noted that although Gachagua’s removal may affect his political prospects, it does not automatically mean that he cannot contest again.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the legal differences regarding removal from power and the right to contest, saying, “It is important to examine the conditions of his removal and the relevant laws to determine if he can still run again.”
Gachagua has been hinting at the possibility of a political alliance with Kalonzo for some time, saying that the Wiper leader has been loyal to Mt Kenya region in difficult times.
He believes that the area is owed to Kalonzo for his past support to retired President Mwai Kibaki, and the year 2027 is the right time to do so.
Gachagua has expressed confidence that he can convince at least 70 percent of Mount Kenya voters to support Kalonzo, while urging the Wiper leader to ensure he gets the same support from his political strongholds.
The coalition sees an opportunity to get a large share of the vote, aiming for at least 40 percent of the national vote, supplemented by 20 percent from the West and Nyanza regions.
This strategy reflects efforts to build a broad base of support from various ethnic groups, an important factor in the politics of a multi-ethnic nation.
With their list of nominees, the coalition believes they can get up to 70 percent of the vote, which would make Ruto the first Kenyan President to serve only one term.
During a development visit to Kakamega last week, Ruto dismissed the opposition as “incompetent.” He criticized those who are planning to oppose him, claiming that they do not have a vision, policy, or a solid agenda for development.
“The only person I would fight with is Raila, but I will finish with these others in the morning,” Ruto said.
He emphasized his claim that the current political challenges are driven by ethnic politics instead of progressive arguments.
He accused his opponents of inciting division and hatred, and asked them to come up with policies that can solve the challenges of ordinary citizens.
2. Daily Nation
The newspaper Daily Nation reported on the tragedy that caused many deaths and injuries in Elgeyo Marakwet County after a landslide on Saturday, November 1.
Several victims who were injured in the recent landslides across the county are being treated at the Moi Referral and Training Hospital.
Rescue teams and county officials continue to hope to find more survivors despite the geographical challenges in the area.
The Kenya Air Force has deployed special sniffer dogs in East Marakwet, where roads have been badly damaged and access has become difficult.
According to government spokesman Isaac Mwaura, more than 30 bodies had been recovered by Monday evening, while 19 people were still missing as the rescue operation entered its third day.
The Elgeyo Marakwet women’s representative, Caroline Ngelechei, expressed hope that the rescue will be successful and noted that the National Youth Service Agency (NYS) is identifying safe places to keep families who have lost their homes.
Another tragedy occurred in Kibendo, North Keiyo, where landslides and rocks caused the death of a grandmother and her grandson.
Governor Wisley Rotich confirmed that county emergency crews responded overnight and that one surviving grandson has been treated and released.
While several people are still missing, the Minister of Homeland Security Dating Murkomen announced that local government officials have been ordered to evacuate residents from areas with signs of earthquakes or with a history of such disasters.
3. Nation Today
The newspaper National Today reported on the reaction of the Jaramogi family following the remarks of the Governor of Nyeri, Mutahi Kahiga, about the death of the late Raila Odinga.
Through Siaya Senator, Oburu Oginga, the family announced that they have forgiven Kahiga for his remarks which were interpreted as celebrating the death of the former prime minister.
Oburu said that the governor is free to visit Kang’o ka Jaramogi, but he must show regret for his controversial statement.
Speaking in a television interview, the senator who is also the acting leader of ODM said they have no grudge or desire to take revenge against Kahiga.
“His words did not anger me because they were childish. They are statements from a young man, and if you keep them in your heart, your heart can stop even before your time comes as God decided,” he said.
Kahiga was quoted as saying that the death of Raila, aged 80, which happened on October 15 in India, was a blessing for the people of Mount Kenya.
“It was God’s way to ensure that the government reconsiders its decision to transfer public resources to Luo Nyanza. It will make the government re-evaluate that move and consider the allocation of Mount Kenya,” said Kahiga at the funeral in Kieni.
Oburu added that the governor will still be welcomed in Bondo if he wants to come to pay his respects to Raila.
“No one is forbidden to come to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to mourn with us, including Kahiga, if he asks for forgiveness. If he wants to come to mourn with us, I have allowed him,” said Oburu.
4. The Standard
The newspaper The Standard set aside time to report on political events in Tanzania, where President Samia Suluhu was sworn in to continue in office after a violent election.
While being sworn in, Samia blamed outsiders for the protests against the conduct and results of the election, calling for unity in this volatile period in the country.
He expressed his regrets about the violence that happened in Tanzania, asking the people to maintain peace and focus on building the nation.
“It is not surprising that those arrested are people from foreign countries,” he said.
This was the first time for Samia to speak since she was sworn in following the election results.
Samia, aged 65, along with his deputy Emmanuel Nchimbi, were sworn in by Chief Justice Ibrahim Hamis Juma under tight security following the election marred by protests.
The swearing-in ceremony was held in a military camp in Dodoma instead of a sports field as was customary in previous years.
The public was not allowed to attend the event, which was broadcast live on national television.
Samia was declared the winner on Saturday, November 1, with 98 percent of the vote. He did not have much opposition because opposition leaders and their parties were prevented from contesting or participating in the election.
Election observers questioned the integrity of the vote, which was marred by the killing of protesters during voting. It is still unclear how many people were killed in the chaos that occurred after the October 29 election.
Army forces were deployed to control the violence while the internet was shut down and restored intermittently since voting began.
Yesterday, Samia promised to protect the peace and freedom of Tanzania by any means and at any cost.
Leaders from the countries of the East African Community (EAC) seemed to boycott the event, which was organized quickly and did not last as long as the previous ones.
Only three presidents were present: Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, and Sheikh Hassan Mahamud of Somalia.
Other countries were represented by high level government officials and ambassadors. Kenya was represented by the Deputy President Kithur Kindikiwhile Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo represents President Yoweri Museveni.
Many EAC presidents did not immediately congratulate Samia after the results were announced on Saturday. It was during the swearing-in ceremony that presidents Ruto and Museveni officially congratulated him.
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