Kenyan newspapers: Ruto plans to create a new police unit to spy on Kenyans online

On Friday, January 2, 2026, Kenyan newspapers on January 2, 2026, highlighted President William Ruto’s proposal to create a new police unit.

Daily newspapers also highlighted the president’s strategy to overcome the strongholds of the former vice president Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

1. Daily Nation

President William Ruto plans to create a special digital intelligence unit to combat internet abuse.

This raises concerns about the government interfering with private conversations and violating people’s privacy.

The state is also creating a legal framework for digital protection and rapid response protocols, according to a presidential report presented to parliament.

This comes as the government claims that social media platforms, which are mostly owned by foreign companies and major media outlets, are increasingly being misused to organize protestmobilizing protesters, and spreading hate speech, propaganda, and false information.

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According to the annual report on the state of national security, which covers the period from September 1, 2024, to August 2025, protesters used social media and mainstream media to organize protests.

“Moving forward, the government intends to increase law enforcement efforts by establishing neighborhood level patrols, establishing a special digital intelligence unit and rapid response protocols, as well as developing legal digital protection frameworks,” the report submitted by Ruto said.

2. The Star

The publication reported that President Ruto appears to be implementing a well-planned and multi-pronged plan to weaken the Opposition and break down its established strongholds.

Ruto is working non-stop to achieve his re-election bid, from frequent trips to “hostile” areas to proposing multi-billion shilling economic projects in opposition areas.

Additionally, the president is launching direct political attacks on opponents and putting loyal political ministers on the ground as part of a charm offensive.

Analysts claim that the main goal of the strategy is to shift the focus of the political battle from cooperation and charisma to the delivery of development.

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“Ruto is a man who understands the text, but more importantly he is a long-term thinker. He thinks five to 10 years ahead,” political analyst Peter Kagwanja commented.

The President portrays opposition politicians as tribal, divisive, and out of touch with the daily needs of the people.

3. People Daily

The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Oburu Oginga has taken drastic measures to resolve the ongoing conflict within the party regarding its 2027 presidential candidate.

Senator Siaya made it clear that the issue is not open to compromise or internal competition in a firm and unconditional New Year 2026 speech.

According to Oburu, the head of the party is the direct presidential candidate, as he insisted that the principles of the party are clear.

With that clarity, Oburu dashed the hopes of those pursuing presidential aspirations within ODM, including his sister Ruth Odingathe female representative of Kisumu.

4. Nation Today

Citing growing confusion and lack of transparency, high school principals are now urging the Ministry of Education to scrap the current Class 10 placement system and return to the original school-led admissions system.

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Kenyan Newspapers: KeNHA official sacked for liking Robert Alai’s Facebook post

The Kenya Senior Secondary School Principals Association (KESSHA), an umbrella body for principals, claimed that the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) has essentially barred them from joining, preventing schools from knowing the academic profile and distribution of students assigned to the region.

Parents have complained that some students were transferred to different high schools without requesting a review or transfer.

“In the past, we knew the students we were accepting, including their background and their academic standing. For example, we could accept a candidate from Kisumu to Murang’a High School. Currently we only get names. Their history and grades are unknown to us,” KESSHA chairman Willie Kuria complained.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke