Kenyan Newspapers Review: Leaked Memos Show Govt Bought Bulk CHAN Tickets over Fear of Wantam Shouts
On Monday, August 4, national dailies widely reported on the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) game held at Kasarani Stadium.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Source: UGC
The papers also reported on the threats by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to quit the Orange party ahead of the 2027 poll.
1. Daily Nation
The paper reported on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general Sifuna's stance regarding President William Ruto's reelection bid.
On Sunday, August 3, Sifuna hinted at resigning from the ODM party if Raila Odinga backs Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
The vocal Nairobi senator said he would not support any resolution endorsing Ruto’s re-election bid, stating that such a move would force him to step aside from his role.
"Today I want to say this: I will read all the resolutions of the ODM Party that uphold loyalty to ODM—except one. If they pass a resolution saying Sifuna is completely useless, I will read it. If they say Sifuna is foolish, I will pass it. But the day they pass a resolution that ODM will support Ruto in 2027, I swear before you and before God, I will not read it," Sifuna declared.
2. The Star
The paper highlighted National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s call on the Luhya community to back Ruto's reelection bid in 2027.
Speaking in Busia, Wetang'ula asked the Mulembe nation to position itself to succeed Ruto in 2032 because of their numerical strength.
According to the former Bungoma senator, there are high chances that Ruto will endorse a Luhya for the presidency in 2032.
“The Luhya community stands a better chance of succeeding President Dr William Ruto in 2032. I have therefore urged the community to rally behind Dr Ruto's second term bid in 2027 in order to realise this. Our unity and rallying behind the President to secure a second term would motivate him to hand over the mantle of running the nation to one of our own,” Wetang'ula said.
3. The Standard
The publication reported on an alleged high-level ticketing scam involving the CHAN game between Harambee Stars and DR Congo.
Despite online portals indicating that tickets were “sold out,” large sections of the 48,000-capacity Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium remained conspicuously empty, with many fans locked out of the ticketing system.
Details claim that influential figures allied to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration colluded to bulk-buy match tickets, ultimately locking out ordinary fans.
Government intelligence had shown that some fans had planned to use CHAN to chant anti-President Ruto's slogans.
“Word had spread, especially on social media, that some fans planned to use the CHAN stage to chant anti-government slogans in front of cameras broadcasting the event globally. Measures had to be taken,” a source familiar with the alleged scheme said.
Leaked internal communications showed that law enforcement agencies were allegedly quietly instructed to mobilise personnel to attend CHAN matches.
For instance, the State Department for Internal Security allegedly directed the prison headquarters to submit the names of those interested in attending CHAN events.
Read also
Edwin Sifuna threatens to quit ODM, urges successor to prepare: "Kuwa tayari wakati wowote"
“Please inform all staff in sports and other staff members under your command interested in attending the CHAN events to submit their names," the memo allegedly read.
In some instances, tickets were reportedly reserved for political supporters from selected Nairobi estates such as Mathare and Kibra.
4. Taifa Leo
The publication reported on the emerging divisions within the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
Already, petitions have been filed for the expulsion of Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia governor George Natembaya.
Wamalwa's camp wants Natembeya kicked out of the party for allegedly registering another political outfit.
On the other hand, Natembeya's camp wants Wamalwa expelled for allegedly misusing party funds.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
