On Thursday, February 19, local newspapers highlighted the ongoing political changes in the country, with the cooperation agreement between President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja taking the top spot and sparking a new debate.
Source: UGC
1. Nation Today
The Kiswahili newspaper reports that a secret intelligence report submitted to Parliament has revealed a disturbing network that is sending Kenyans to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), at least 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited so far, with 89 on the front lines as of February.
The statistics show a sad situation: 39 are hospitalized with injuries, 28 are missing, 35 are in Russian military camps, one is detained, and only one has completed the contract.
The report reveals that the recruits, mostly ex-army officers, ex-policemen and economically desperate youths between the ages of 20 and 50, are lured by promises of a salary of KSh 350,000 per month and a bonus of KSh 900,000, incentives that are rarely fulfilled.
Training periods are very short, sometimes lasting only three weeks, or nine days for explosives training.
At first, the employees traveled through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before authorities stepped up surveillance. Now they are supposed to come from neighboring countries.
The NIS also claims cooperation involving labor unions, unscrupulous airport and immigration officials, and even diplomatic channels.
Among those mentioned is Global Face Human Resources Limited, whose director Festus Arasa Omwamba has asked for early bail. Talent Shepherd Agency and several individuals are also under investigation, with bank accounts frozen and investigations ongoing.
Two medical centers in Nairobi accused of conducting pre-departure tests have obtained a court order to block access to medical records.
The Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, criticized the short training period, warning that recruits are being sent “to die.”
Lawmakers are now calling for tougher action against facilitators within government ranks as concerns grow about the increasing number of Kenyan lives being lost.
2. The Standard
According to the newspaper, sadness and anger have hit Vincent Ayomo’s family as they struggle to get justice following the alleged shooting by the police during the ODM meeting in Kitengela.
Ayomo was reportedly shot when officers broke up the meeting chaired by the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifunafiring tear gas and live ammunition at the attendees.
Days later, his family says the pain of losing him has been compounded by confusion and repeated delays over a scheduled autopsy.
Speaking outside the Nairobi Funeral Home, Genga Ayomo’s brother narrated how relatives traveled all night after being told that an inquest would be held, but when they arrived they were told that there was no appointment.
They were directed to the Kitengela police station, a situation that increased suspicion and sadness.
“We need to know what is really going on and why we are being treated like this. My brother’s body is rotting and needs to be dealt with quickly,” said Genga, adding that this rotation has hindered the funeral plans and cost the family financially.
Ayomo’s sister, Mary Akinya, held back tears as she described him as a young father whose life was cut short.
The uncertainty, he said, has left his widow and child in a state of great grief, while their mother is said to have been hospitalized due to stress.
Corporal Musini Mwanzia, who is in charge of the autopsy at the mortuary, emphasized that the investigating officer must officially register the investigation before it can proceed.
Another brother, Adonija Ayomo, accused the Kitengela detectives of surrounding the family.
3. Daily Nation
The publication reports that there are new threats to remove the Nairobi Governor from power Johnson have resurfaced, just a few months after surviving such an experiment.
New political upheavals rocked City Hall following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the county government and the national government at the State House.
The agreement, which will result in KSh80 billion being channeled into water, roads, housing, drainage, lighting and waste management in Nairobi, was presented as a heroic step to save the capital.
But for some Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), it signaled something else—admitting defeat.
The Deputy Minority Leader, Waithera Chege, announced that it is only a matter of time before a new motion to remove the governor is presented.
According to him, the intervention of the national government to manage important functions proves that the governor cannot run the city.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai claimed that more than 55 MCAs have already put their signatures, exceeding the 41 required to table the motion.
Sources indicate that Sakaja has been in an unstable political situation since September last year, when the intervention of President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga saved him from being removed from power.
As part of the agreement, he was given 60 days to address grievances ranging from stalled ward projects and delayed bursaries to waste collection and payment to contractors—issues that MCAs now say have not been resolved.
Ruto defended the agreement, stressing that Nairobi, as Kenya’s capital, must function effectively. Sakaja, for his part, said the agreement ensures access to important funds that the county could not get on its own.
4. The Star
According to the newspaper, the simmering tension about how to choose the opposition’s presidential candidate together has created a major division within the coalition, threatening to give President William Ruto a clear political advantage.
The heart of the conflict is not policy, but mistrust and personal desire. What was meant to be a show of unity has now revealed fierce competition, with some luminaries seeing their counterpart as a competitor or even a government agent.
Twice now, an important meeting meant to reconcile positions has been postponed without a new date.
The latest sparks emerged after Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i called for a “scientific and transparent” process to select a candidate, warning against backroom deals that could alienate supporters.
His remarks drew strong opposition from Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, a close ally of Kalonzo Musyokawho accused him of creating confusion within the union.
“I firmly believe that Matiang’i is being used by the system to create confusion in the opposition,” said Wambua.
The results of the referendum have further complicated the situation. The Infotrak survey put Ruto at 28%, Matiang’i at 13% and Kalonzo at 12%.
Although Matiang’i appears to be stronger statistically, local sources say many leaders are in favor of Kalonzo, leaving the former Internal Security Minister alone politically.
The coalition is also divided on the timing of announcing a candidate.
The Kalonzo camp wants an early announcement by early 2026 to build momentum and fundraising capacity.
Others, led by the wing of Rigathi Gachaguawarn that announcing a candidate early will make them vulnerable to political attack in the long run.
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
