On Monday, January 13, national newspapers reported in detail about ongoing tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Source: UGC
Newspapers also highlighted the visit of President William Ruto to the political stronghold of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
1. The Star
President William Ruto he dismissed the efforts of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, to undermine his political future in Mt. Kenya, saying that the action is pointless and destined to fail.
Speaking in Nyeri on Sunday, January 12, Ruto said he has a strong political and personal relationship with the residents of the area which cannot be broken by what he described as “petty politics, lies and noise.”
“The friendship we built has a solid foundation. There are those who think they can bring petty politics and noise to destroy the foundation we built. That is impossible,” said Ruto during the Sunday service at ACK St Paul’s Church Kariki, Othaya, Nyeri County, Gachagua’s home area.
The President reminded the faithful that Mount Kenya supported him in large numbers in the 2022 general election, stressing that the relationship created during the campaign is still strong.
He warned politicians who are trying to create division between him and the region that their efforts will not succeed. “That is impossible. Find another job to do. We will continue to walk together,” said the President.
2. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on an emergency meeting called by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) amid rising tensions, including alleged plots to remove Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as party leader.
The tensions have forced the party’s top organ, the Central Management Committee (CMC), to organize a recess session on the Coast today, a session that can calm the situation or increase the tension towards the 2027 General Election.
The meeting also aims to push for a common position on important issues that threaten to divide the party, especially the division between those who support the integrated government and those who oppose the arrangement with President William Ruto.
Headed by the party leader, the committee resolves internal party disputes.
Its members include the three deputy leaders of the party, the national chairman, the general secretary, the treasurer, the planning secretary, the campaign director, women and youth leaders of ODM, three members appointed by the party leader, as well as the executive director (for an administrative position).
The main agenda of the session includes the cooperation of an integrated government with President Ruto as well as strategies for the 2027 general election.
There is also expected a debate on when the National Delegate Council (NDC) will be convened.
The deputy leader of the party, Godfrey Osotsi, said he asked for the meeting to be postponed but his request was rejected.
“I am out of the country for official Senate activities, and I tried to ask for the session to be postponed until I return so that everyone can participate, but it seems that the party leadership ignored the request,” said Osotsi.
3. The Standard
The publication reported on the alleged feud between Suba North Member of Parliament, Caroli Omondi, and her Suna East counterpart, Junet Mohamed, at the Nairobi House.
The newspaper claimed that Junet went to the State House and found Omondi talking to the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.
It is reported that Junet wanted to know why Caroli had entered the Palace without his personal permission.
“I was at the White House talking to the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. When Junet found me in a deep conversation with Koskei, he got angry and asked how I got the chance to enter without his blessing,” Caroli said.
According to the newspaper, Caroli told Junet that he was in a conversation with Koskei and that he would talk to him later.
Junet became even more angry and allegedly told Caroli that any leader of the Luo community must go through him before reaching the Palace.
“That made me very angry, I grabbed him by the collar and slapped him hard. He was saved by a senior female officer of ODM,” claimed the Member of Parliament for Suba North.
4. Nation Today
The Kiswahili newspaper reported on the recent political stance of Nyeri Governor, Mutahi Kahiga.
Speaking on Sunday, January 11, Kahiga appeared to criticize Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Kahiga, who was speaking before the President, announced that he is still a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) despite his closeness to the former Deputy President.
“The last time I checked, I am still a member of the UDA, and that is the truth,” said Kahiga while defending his attendance at Ruto’s event.
Kahiga said he elected Ruto and that he still respects him as President, wondering why people were confused by his political moves.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
