Kenyan newspapers on Wednesday, February 18, highlighted political developments in the country, with one of them reporting the possibility of reconciliation between President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, newspapers reported on an ongoing exercise regarding the registration of Kenyans to join the Russian army.
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the dispute between President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.
It has been revealed that the conflict between Ruto and Uhuru emerged last week during the African Union (AU) meeting, where the two blamed each other in a private meeting organized by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, with the aim of reconciling them.
The two were at a meeting planned to help restore peace in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Their dispute at Sunday’s meeting was confirmed by aides, allies and some attendees, saying it tarnished the country’s image internationally.
A photo that circulated online showing Abiy Ahmed in the middle of Ruto and Uhuru was published by the side of the retired president. However, Ruto’s side did not publish the photo, which raised questions.
AU member presidents questioned why the peace process in eastern DRC has stalled, and it was explained that the hostility between Uhuru and Ruto is the cause.
While the President is directly involved in peace efforts by sending troops to the east of the DRC, Uhuru is on the AU panel with the economic communities of EAC and SADC involved in mediation in the areas of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu where the fighting has erupted.
It was stated that Uhuru should consult with Ruto to inform him about the steps taken and the challenges in the peace process in eastern DRC.
However, it was found that their hostility has delayed or halted peace efforts while the citizens of eastern DRC continue to suffer.
Then the Prime Minister of Ethiopia started efforts to reconcile them to ensure the success of the DRC peace plan.
Sharp differences emerged just three weeks after Muhoho Kenyatta, Uhuru’s brother, met Ruto at the Nairobi State House.
In local politics, Uhuru has appeared to support the leader of Wiper, Kalonzo Musyokapushing for the revival of Jubilee and endorsing former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i to run for president.
Ruto’s leadership has faced several challenges due to policies that are said to affect the people, and in 2024 it was faced with the protests of Gen Z in the country.
Uhuru’s continued involvement in politics after retirement seems to have angered Ruto, who is seeking a second term in 2027.
A source who attended the meeting was quoted as saying that Ruto confronted Uhuru with evidence, but the retired president denied that he was fighting the Kenya First government. However, he complained that he was not respected and treated properly as a retired president.
Ruto told Abiy that he tried to reconcile with Uhuru but the efforts failed, citing his visit to Uhuru Ichaweri’s house in 2024 and another effort through his relatives.
2. Nation Today
The newspaper reported on the continued recruitment of Kenyans to join the Russian army.
Despite horror stories from returning Kenyans about their suffering in the war, another 33 Kenyans have been recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine after being promised high salaries.
The number of dead and missing continues to rise, with a new government report revealing that eight Kenyans have been reported missing or dead and the fate of 27 others is unknown.
Returnees have reported that the dead are buried in mass graves, and there are fears that the missing may not be found if they died in battle.
This revelation is based on a confidential statement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stay Mudavadireleased on February 9.
“Since January 23, 2026, the embassy has identified a total of 95 Kenyans involved in the Russian operation. Among them, 27 have been returned home, eight have been reported missing or dead, 33 are new recruits, and 27 are missing,” said the statement.
It added that more than 200 Kenyans have reportedly joined so far, according to information gathered at the Kenyan embassy in Moscow before they left.
Some of them are believed to be former soldiers of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), National Youth Service (NYS) and the Prisons Department.
The statement explained that some of the new recruits are former officers of the security agencies who voluntarily entered into military contracts fully aware of their responsibilities.
However, some are reported to be planning to flee after receiving the first part of the payment and then seek the help of the embassy to leave.
Mudavadi warned that the model could pose a diplomatic threat and damage the country’s reputation.
According to information to the embassy, the employees receive an initial payment of approximately Sh1.6 million within three weeks of signing the contract, then a monthly salary of approximately Sh190,000.
If they are injured or die, compensation of approximately Sh1.8 million and Sh8.3 million respectively is included in the contracts.
The ministry has not yet confirmed whether any Kenyan has received the full salary as specified in the contracts.
Mudavadi warned Kenyans not to be attracted by promises of high salaries.
3. The Standard
The newspaper highlighted the agreement between the Nairobi county government and the national government.
After rumours, it is now official that the national government will help run Nairobi County. The Sh80 billion partnership signed by the State House brought together Musalia Mudavadi and Governor Johnson Sakaja to manage water projects, roads, housing, street lights, waste management and revitalization of rivers.
Mudavadi will lead the steering committee assisted by Sakaja, while the day-to-day implementation will be done by an implementation committee consisting of executive secretaries and county executives.
President William Ruto insisted on the legitimacy of the agreement, saying it should have been implemented 14 years ago, complaining that the capital is “sinking in filth.”
He said the capital city must work at high levels of order, infrastructure, efficiency and service delivery, not only for its five million residents but also for the millions who depend on it every day.
He clarified that he does not intend to lead the city, but fulfills his duty to help, pledging billions for street lights, housing improvements, water purification, expansion of sewage systems and road networks.
He also directed the Minister of Internal Security to form a special force in Nairobi Metropolitan to strengthen security.
4. The Star
The newspaper reported on the possibility of a demonstration organized by the United Opposition coalition.
The group has warned that it will launch a national protest against the government if Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja does not meet with them on Friday.
This follows a few days after the police disrupted an ODM meeting led by Edwin Sifuna, where one person died.
Led by the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the group says it wants information about the investigation of attacks allegedly instigated by the police in the past.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo confirmed that they issued an official notice asking Kanja to take action, saying they will return with the people on Friday and give a schedule for the nationwide protest.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa claimed that the IG and his deputies were not in the office when they visited, saying they believed they had been instructed not to meet them.
He emphasized that they want IG Kanja himself to be held accountable and that they will not hesitate until all officials who allegedly violated human rights are held accountable.
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