On Thursday, November 20, dailies highlighted the rise in political tension, focusing on the state of the nation and the ongoing feud in the Odinga family as prominent ODM figures struggled to define the party’s path after the death of Raila Odinga.
Source: UGC
1. Nation Today
The Swahili daily newspaper reports that the price of avocados has risen sharply in markets across the country.
One fruit is now sold between KSh50 and KSh80, while the newspaper notes that the same fruit was previously sold between KSh10 and KSh30, thus putting new pressure on households that consume avocados every day.
Traders in Kibuye and Jubilee markets in Kisumu were quoted as saying that only a few sacks are arriving, and most of the fruits are small, unripe or of low quality.
They said many avocados rot before they ripen, prompting sellers to raise prices to avoid losses.
Farmers from areas such as Kisii told the newspaper that this period is low as many trees still have unripe fruits.
They expect the harvest to improve towards the end of the rainy season or early next year.
The newspaper said the shortage has reduced supply to markets, creating a large gap between demand and available produce.
2. Daily Nation
According to the newspaper, what was announced as a great opportunity for Kenyan youth to work abroad has turned into a source of disappointment and financial stress for hundreds who feel misled by the government’s Kazi Majuu program.
The report said many applicants took out Youth Fund loans in May after being assured that they would travel within three months. Deductions have now begun, but the promised jobs are still not available.
The newspaper noted that more than 700 young people from the coast and Nairobi borrowed up to KSh200,000 each.
They were told the money would cover passports, visas, plane tickets, medical tests, training and other fees.
Repayment was scheduled to begin after deployment. Many believed the program would place them in professional roles abroad.
Some resigned from their jobs in preparation, but were left without work months later.
The newspaper highlighted the case of Diana Tungu, who said she received an offer letter in May after an interview in Nita.
According to the newspaper, several applicants believe they were cheated despite applying through agencies approved by the National Employment Authority.
A representative at Zawadi Agency, identified as Ken, confirmed that he had more than 100 passports. He said the agency was still looking for job vacancies but could not provide travel dates.
In Kilifi, some young people complained that organizations demand additional payments even after the Youth Fund has been paid.
Many now want the deductions stopped and passports returned as they reassess their options.
3. The Star
According to this newspaper, concerns are growing within ODM as questions arise about the party’s future leadership and the balance of influence within the extended Odinga family.
This newspaper said people close to the family believe that tension has increased between party leader Oburu Oginga and relatives of the deceased. Raila Odinga.
They reportedly feel Oburu is not the preferred choice to lead ODM in the next political cycle.
A family insider told the newspaper that the concerns raised earlier by Winnie Odinga you show a broad perspective in the household.
The source said some members see Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o as the strongest candidate to lead the party through the coming political changes.
“We also heard about the concerns raised by Winnie. There is a feeling that Oburu was not the right candidate to take over the ODM system. In fact, [Gavana wa Kisumu Anyang’] Nyong’o was seen as the best candidate,” the source said.
According to the newspaper, the split points to deeper issues of succession that have been going on for years but were contained during Raila’s active leadership.
The newspaper quoted a second-term member of parliament from Siaya who confirmed that the conflict between the two sides has existed quietly for a long time.
He said Raila managed the disputes when he was in the middle of party decisions, but due to his death, unresolved concerns have resurfaced and are more visible.
“I tell you that the war (between the two houses) has been there since the beginning, but Jakom was in charge of everything,” the second-term lawmaker said.
On Tuesday, November 18, Oburu told mourners in Rongo that unnamed people were targeting him for reasons he did not understand.
He said he had never asked to lead the party and pleaded with those who were attacking him to stop. The comments were interpreted as a response to tensions over inheritance.
“I know I get speared here and there, but I’m used to it… I didn’t campaign to be a party leader. Those who are fighting for me should stop, they are fighting with someone they are not fighting with,” he complained.
Oburu was absent from the recent condolence visits to Odinga’s home in Opoda, including delegations led by Kalonzo Musyoka and former president of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo.
The newspaper also highlighted the new movement of Oburu’s eldest son, Jaoko Oburu, who has been holding meetings with organized groups across Nyanza.
The talks have raised interest about his political plans and whether younger members of the Odinga family are preparing for a bigger role in ODM’s internal debates.
4. The Standard
The newspaper reports that a new study by Amnesty International involved government agencies and the use of digital tools to suppress anti-government protests between June 2024 and July this year.
The report said at least 128 people were killed, 3,000 arrested and 83 disappeared during the protests.
It added that the protests were led by Generation Z groups opposed to corruption and new tax measures. According to the newspaper, social networks were used as the main organizing platform.
Amnesty said authorities responded with online threats, defamatory messages, hate campaigns and surveillance.
A 27-year-old activist from Mombasa told researchers that she was kidnapped for two nights and received a message warning her that she would die and leave her children behind.
Another activist was alerted on X by a message saying officers were coming.
The newspaper said human rights defender Hanifa Adan faced anti-Islamic posts and defamation after appearing in a BBC article. He told Amnesty that the abuse took away his spark and his sense of self.
According to the report, paid online campaigns and algorithm manipulation were also used to silence protest hashtags.
Minister of Interior Dating Murkomen he denied any role for the government and said the security agencies were following the law.
Amnesty called on the government to end technology-driven violence, investigate abuses and compensate affected families.
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