Newspapers on Saturday, January 24, discussed various topics, with President William Ruto appointing Mama Ida Odinga as Kenyan ambassador and permanent representative of the United Nations Environment Organization (UNEP) dominating all the pages.
Source: UGC
1. Saturday Nation
According to the newspaper, Kenya plans to distribute Lenacapavir, a new long-acting anti-HIV drug, in 15 counties from February 2026, targeting areas with the highest HIV burden.
The Ministry of Health selected counties, including Siaya, Homa Bay, PoisonousNairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru, based on prevalence data, and indicate a major shift in HIV prevention strategy.
Lenacapavir is a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that is injected twice a year for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg.
Developed for more than two decades by US-based Gilead Sciences, the drug was approved by the US FDA in June last year and later approved by the World Health Organization as a highly effective alternative to daily oral pills.
Health officials say the drug could help address long-term challenges such as poor adherence, stigma and limited access to health care, especially among high-risk populations.
Kenya is among the first nine countries selected by the World Fund to use the drug early, along with countries such as South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
The National Program for the Control of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases expects an initial delivery of 20,000 doses in February 2026, followed by additional shipments throughout the year.
Other doses will be allocated for studies and use among disciplined forces, the National Youth Service and prisons.
The drug will be available free of charge in public health facilities, with donors covering the subsidized cost of about KSh6,000 per dose.
Officials stress that Lenacapavir is optional and will complement existing prevention methods, including oral PrEP and condoms.
Eligible individuals, including pregnant women and at-risk youth, will receive information and choose the most appropriate immunization option as Kenya closely monitors utilization and outcomes.
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2. Nation Today
According to a Kiswahili newspaper, the United Democratic Union (UDA) rejected the decision of the High Court that declared its union with the National Peace Party (ANC) unconstitutional, saying that no legal union ever existed.
The court, through Judge Bahati Mwamuye, ruled that the alleged union of the ANC and the UDA did not meet the constitutional requirements, and ordered the Registrar of Political Parties to amend the official register to reflect the ANC as a legally registered party.
Judge Mwamuye also annulled the Government Gazette notice formalizing the union.
However, the UDA countered that the ANC voluntarily withdrew in accordance with its constitution and the Political Parties Act, citing Gazette Notice No. 3449 of March 14, 2025, confirming the dissolution of the party.
The ruling party insisted that the Supreme Court misrepresented the facts, as no union can be annulled if it never existed in law.
The UDA further stated that all ANC assets were transferred legally, and former members were fully integrated, leaving no ambiguity about the revival of the ANC.
The party insisted that President William Ruto continues as the leader of the party, Deputy President Kithur Kindiki remains the first deputy leader, and Lamu governor Issa Timamy holds the new position of deputy.
The UDA described the court’s claim of an “illegal union” as a fabrication, insisting that the party’s administrative and political structures remain intact.
3. The Saturday Standard
According to the newspaper, a political conflict is emerging in Nyanza with ODM senior leaders Oburu Oginga and his nephew, Winnie Odingahosting separate events today, exposing the growing fissures within the party and the wider Luo political system.
Parallel meetings, one at Ciala Resort in Kisumu chaired by Oburu and the other homecoming ceremony in Bondo organized by Winnie, have raised the bar on ODM’s future direction.
Preparations were in high gear before the events, with Oburu supporters building tents in Ciala, where a consultation meeting that brings together Luo leaders from county governments and parliaments is expected to take place.
The meeting, convened under the auspices of the Luo parliamentary conference known as Duol, is said to be aimed at charting a political path for the community, including discussions on ODM’s involvement with the ruling UDA party and the wider government arrangement.
Invitations indicate that the meeting will be chaired by the leader of the ODM party and is open to leaders from all sides of the party, including county executives, indicating an attempt to build consensus.
Oburu also met Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o before the meeting, emphasizing his political weight.
Meanwhile, Winnie Odinga is expected to organize a big event in Bondo, the details of which are closely guarded.
His appearance is fueling speculation that he is positioning himself to regain influence within the party founded by his late father.
Although Odinga’s family has denied allegations of a supremacy battle, recent events tell a different story.
4. Weekend Star
The newspaper reports that the main suspect in the murder of a seven-year-old girl from the slums of Witemere in Nyeri has changed the direction of his trial again, asking the High Court to change his plea for the second time, when the trial was about to start.
Nicholas Julius Macharia, accused of killing Tamara Blessing Kabura, made the request through his lawyer, causing the court to suspend the hearing of the case.
The prosecution had already lined up two witnesses, signaling readiness to proceed. Instead, Macharia asked for the charges to be re-examined, saying he intended to change his plea.
The case has followed a tortuous path since Macharia first appeared in court on June 12 last year. That day, he confessed to the crime of murder.
However, despite a psychiatric evaluation confirming that he was fit to stand trial, the court refused to record the request.
The judge ordered Macharia to be remanded for 46 days to give him time to reflect, citing the seriousness of the offense and the seriousness of the possible sentence.
When he returned to court in July, Macharia changed his plea to not guilty, forcing a full trial. The trial was expected to begin this week, until his latest plea reinstated the process.
The court has now adjourned the case until February 9, when the charges will be read again and Macharia will take a new plea. The prosecution was also given time to acquaint itself with the case.
Outside court, the boy’s father spoke of exhaustion and hope, saying the family is desperate for justice as they try to find a way to recover after a long and painful wait.
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