Kenya newspapers review: Raila Odinga set to join William Ruto’s govt after completing consultations

On Thursday, February 27, local newspapers extensively covered Kenya's shifting political landscape, with a focus on President William Ruto's possible collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

1. Daily Nation

The paper stated that two bodies have been found during a search and rescue operation for over 20 missing Kenyan citizens, which started on Ethiopian territory, more than 96 hours after a cross-border attack in Todonyang along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, allegedly carried out by suspected Dassanech militia from Ethiopia.

Following the granting of full access to Ethiopia for the Kenyan search and rescue team, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced this on Wednesday evening.

He observed that inadequate communication from the Ethiopian side is hindering the search and rescue operations.

Until the day before yesterday, despite more than 20 Kenyans being confirmed missing as a result of the cross-border attack, the Kenyan authorities had been unable to access the area of the incident, with Ethiopia's permission only having been granted the day before.

During a visit to Todonyang, the Interior CS ordered the formation of a team headed by Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan to negotiate with Ethiopian authorities and facilitate entry to the Ethiopian side.

2. Taifa Leo

According to the Swahili publication, Kenyan politics is expected to take a significant turn next week when President William Ruto and Raila Odinga are anticipated to make a joint announcement and form a coalition government.

Raila commenced an official tour of his core regions, declaring that he is seeking advice from his supporters on the political path he should pursue leading up to 2027.

However, reports from those who attended his meetings in Kisumu, his political stronghold, and Mombasa State House suggest that the former prime minister has firmly decided to officially join Ruto's administration.

Youths who attended a private meeting with Raila in Kisumu stated that the veteran politician encouraged them to support his alliance with Ruto, highlighting the potential benefits of development that it could bring.

"We had a meeting with Baba (Raila), where he instructed us to prepare for the launch of his partnership with Ruto next week. If there are objections, he advised us to explain to his supporters why he made this crucial decision, emphasizing that it's for their own good," said one youth who attended the meeting.

It is reported that Raila has already made up his mind to join Ruto's administration and is prepared to start working on initiatives that will lead to the cancellation of some government policies that are causing difficulties for Kenyans.

The ODM leader is also said to have convinced Kisumu governor, Professor Anyang' Nyong'o, who attended the meeting, citing reasons for joining the Kenya Kwanza government.

Nyong'o and Siaya Governor James Orengo are among Raila's close allies who have been critical of the government, despite some ODM members holding cabinet positions.

Reports indicate that Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, Raila's brother, played a key role in the negotiations leading to the agreement to collaborate with Ruto.

The details of the agreement are not publicly known, but it is reported that the president plans to make adjustments to his cabinet to create additional roles for members from the ODM party.

"It's understood that the number of cabinet secretaries from Mt Kenya region will be decreased," sources informed the newspaper, noting that Raila's supporters will be given more principal secretary roles.

3. The Standard

The publication stated that former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is reportedly planning an elaborate strategy to oust Ruto from power in the next election.

Gachagua also challenged Raila to choose the side of history he wanted to be on. Speaking at his Nairobi home in Karen, Gachagua said the opposition would hold the Kenya Kwanza government accountable.

Gachagua broadcast on Kamba local vernacular radio stations, welcoming Raila to work with the opposition. However, he stated that the opposition would continue with its agenda if Raila chose to align with Ruto.

The former DP stated that opposition leaders are currently focused on uniting Kenyans ahead of the 2027 elections and developing a political strategy that they will present to Kenyans to bring an end to Ruto's leadership.

4. The Star

The daily reports that Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed the full extent of tribalism in hiring practices at the Deputy President's office during Gachagua's tenure.

In the 2023/24 financial year audit findings, Gathungu reported that 66% of Gachagua's staff at both his Karen residence and Harambee House Annex were from a single community.

The law states that no ethnic group should comprise more than 30% of the representation in any public organization.

According to the report, Gachagua's office had 542 staff members, including 249 from one ethnic group. However, the report did not identify the ethnic group with the largest number of employees.

Ethnic favoritism was one of the accusations mentioned in Gachagua's impeachment motion before the two Houses of Parliament.