On Monday, April 13, national newspapers reported on ongoing conflicts between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The newspapers also reported on the auditor’s report on the office of the Deputy President Kithur Kindikiwhich has been spending millions on helicopters.
1. The Star
Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday he accused the government of disrupting the meetings of the United Opposition by using state instruments.
He criticized security agencies for the violence that erupted at his rally in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, on Saturday, where police used tear gas against leaders and supporters after alleged barricades and hours of tension.
“The government has reconstituted a police force of 12 officers who attacked us in Witima several months ago but legal action has not yet been taken. It is the same force that attacked us Kikuyu on Saturday,” said Gachagua.
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Speaking in the Central region during a church service at PEFA Works Church, Gachagua criticized President Ruto, describing the Minister of Internal Security Dating Murkomen as unsuitable to lead the ministry towards the 2027 elections.
“We respect the Constitution. No matter how bad you are, no matter how much you have destroyed the country, we still have the wisdom to realize that this is a country governed by the rule of law. We are ready to wait for the remaining 14 months to remove you through the vote. Do not cause a situation where Kenyans will remove you from the vote,” he said.
2. Daily Nation
The publication reported on threats by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to pull out of its alliance with President William Ruto’s government.
The Orange Party accuses the government of planning violence and systematic pressure against its MPs towards the 2027 elections.
The party claims that senior government officials are misusing government resources to pressure its MPs, especially from the Coast and West, to move to the United Democratic Alliance.
According to the party, these actions are a deliberate plot to weaken ODM nationally and prevent it from maintaining its influence in the Luo Nyanza area only, according to the Minority Leader in the National Assembly Junet Mohammed.
ODM believes that these actions are aimed at weakening its influence within the coalition government and changing the political direction before the next general election.
He claimed that some officials in the government feel threatened by the presence of ODM in government structures, saying that the inclusion of ODM leaders in the Cabinet was not a virtue but part of a political agreement aimed at promoting unity and inclusion.
According to him, ODM agreed to cooperate with President William Ruto’s government following the political changes after 2024 and youth-led protests that rocked government operations.
He added that former prime minister the late Raila Odinga supported the plan to strengthen governance and encourage national unity.
ODM has now scheduled a Central Management Committee meeting to assess the political situation and decide on the next course of action, including the possibility of withdrawing from the partnership if tensions continue.
“There are people in the government who oppose this alliance,” said Junet, claiming that a senior leader in the government is leading efforts to isolate ODM.
He warned that ongoing hostilities could lead to the breakdown of the partnership, adding that ODM “has a choice” if the situation worsens. He also emphasized that ODM’s participation in the government should not be considered as a political favor.
3. The Standard
The newspaper reported on a scandal brewing in the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), a government-recognised welfare organization that deducts KSh 200 every month from 95,000 teachers, equivalent to KSh 228 million a year.
The Director General of KEWOTA, Benta Opande, is alleged to employ his four children, where two earn KSh 200,000 each and the other two earn KSh 250,000 each.
The list is long and also includes his nephew and two brothers, creating a family that works in the same organization that is alleged to deduct money from teachers’ salaries without their consent.
Treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa is also said to be surrounded by her relatives in the organization; her daughter is a law officer earning KSh 100,000, her four grandchildren are on the payroll, and her husband takes KSh 280,000.
In that connection, concerns about accountability in the public service are growing. Listen as our investigative reporter talks to him on the phone.
4. Nation Today
Documents submitted to Parliament show that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki spent KSh 153.6 million on helicopter trips within 75 days, in the 2023/24 financial year.
This follows Parliament approving an additional KSh 450 million for the Office of the Deputy President in the first additional estimate for the 2025/26 financial year, funds intended for hospitality and helicopter rental.
Secretary General for Administration Moses Mbaruku presented the documents, which included answers to audit questions, to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The attached data shows that Kenyans spent KSh 117.3 million on catering, KSh 80.24 million on the rental of tents and decorations, and KSh 40.4 million on food at the office of the Deputy President.
These details emerged when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), headed by Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo, asked questions about the expenditure, including two instances where at least KSh 8 million was spent on helicopter hire for one day.
“I am worried about the use of helicopter rental services. Is it reasonable to spend 8 million Shs in one day for helicopter trips? Is that really possible?” asked Amollo.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
