Kenyan Newspapers Review: Raila Odinga Rejects Opposition's Deal, Vows Loyalty to Ruto Ahead of 2027
On Saturday, June 28, Kenyan newspapers focused on the backlash from the June 25 protests, highlighting public outrage over Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s controversial shoot-to-kill directive issued to police.
Source: UGC
1. The Saturday Standard
The paper reported that ODM leader Raila Odinga revealed that he turned down an offer from opposition leaders who wanted him to join forces against President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to Raila, the deal included a promise of support for his 2027 presidential bid, in return for backing another candidate in 2032.
The former prime minister dismissed the proposal, saying it was unwise to align with leaders who had previously disrespected others.
"Some of them said we were outsiders. One even declared that if he saw us lining up at State House, he’d chase us away. Can you truly work with someone like that?” he asked.
Raila reaffirmed his decision to work with Ruto, saying he is committed to the partnership.
"I am not going anywhere. I will not abandon Ruto because I know the direction we are taking. We will walk together in unity," he stated.
He cautioned against premature 2027 campaign activities and emphasised that political guidance for his supporters would come at the right time.
"No one else can claim to lead my people politically. When the time comes, I’ll give direction," he said.
Raila defended his collaboration with Kenya Kwanza, saying it was a strategic move to help uplift communities.
“We’ve made a bold decision. Our people cannot always remain in the cold. When an opportunity arises that can improve their lives, we seize it,” he explained, adding that the move has not stopped him or his followers from progressing.
2. Saturday Nation
The publication reported that the High Court dismissed a petition by the family of Beasley Kogi Kamau, who was allegedly killed by police during the June 2024 Gen Z protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The family had sought to compel the state to investigate and prosecute the officers involved in Kamau’s death, which they claimed resulted from police brutality using batons.
The petition, filed by Kamau’s sister, Beatrice Muthoni, with the support of the Law Society of Kenya and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, accused the criminal justice system of failing to act swiftly and justly.
They named former Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei, former Inspector General Japheth Koome, the Attorney-General, and other state officers as respondents, alleging a violation of Kamau’s right to justice.
However, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled against the petition, stating that the family had not provided concrete evidence linking the police officers directly to Kamau’s death.
The court noted that no witness had identified who inflicted the fatal injuries, and there was no proof that police action caused Kamau’s skull and rib fractures.
"The petitioners rely on circumstantial evidence, suggesting that police used a baton to cause the fatal injuries. Yet, no evidence confirms that the injuries occurred while police were dispersing protesters," the judge observed.
Although a post-mortem attributed Kamau’s death to blunt force trauma, the court found insufficient grounds to mandate prosecution or disciplinary action against the officers named in the suit.
3. Weekend Star
As per the paper, police officers in Kenya are increasingly facing a dilemma on how to handle violent protests, as rising pressure from oversight bodies and human rights groups constrains their response.
The recent demonstrations, initially peaceful, were marred by the infiltration of criminal elements who looted businesses and destroyed public property, leaving law enforcers stuck between enforcing order and avoiding accusations of brutality.
During the anniversary of last year’s Gen Z anti-tax protests, officers in several towns reportedly retreated as crowds grew aggressive, wary of backlash over potential use of force.
This hesitation created a vacuum, allowing criminals to ransack supermarkets, vandalise police stations, and destroy government installations.
Cities and towns, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Ol Kalou, Nakuru, and Machakos, witnessed extensive damage and significant economic losses.
Observers have raised concerns that if the police remain hesitant, emboldened criminals may continue taking advantage of protests to cause chaos.
Security experts warn that continued restraint without a clear strategy could threaten national stability and public safety.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has since issued a firm directive to law enforcement.
"We have instructed police that anyone who attempts to storm police stations to steal firearms should be dealt with,” Murkomen warned.
4. Taifa Leo
The Swahili paper reported that Murkomen’s recent remarks instructing police to shoot anyone attempting to storm police stations during protests have sparked intense public debate.
His comments, made on Thursday, have been widely interpreted as giving police officers the green light to use lethal force, raising concerns over possible extrajudicial killings.
Murkomen made the statement as the country continued to count losses following Wednesday’s protests, which saw widespread looting, injuries, and destruction of property.
“We are telling police: anyone who approaches a police station to seize firearms or burn down government offices deal with them,” Murkomen said while assessing damage in Nairobi. “If your life is threatened, act.”
His remarks were met with jeers from members of the public, some of whom insisted that suspects should be arrested and prosecuted, not killed.
"Arrest them, don’t kill them,” onlookers shouted.
Murkomen later clarified that his directive did not target civilians seeking help or filing reports at police stations.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
