Kenya Newspapers Review: Governor James Orengo Quietly Jets Back in Kenya After US Medical Visit
On Thursday, August 7, local dailies focused on a proposed US Senate amendment that could revoke Kenya’s MNNA status over alleged ties to Sudan’s RSF and human rights violations during local unrest, raising concerns about Nairobi’s shifting foreign policy alignments.
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Source: UGC
1. The Standard
The publication reports that a Nairobi court has issued a warrant of arrest against city lawyer Guy Spencer Elms over allegations of forging the will of the late British billionaire Roger Bryan Robson.
The case involves a high-value land dispute in Karen, Nairobi, concerning two parcels of land estimated at over KSh100 million.
Milimani Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi granted the warrant after the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the court that Spencer had ignored a lawful summon.
Despite his lawyer’s explanation that Spencer was attending to a sick child abroad and had already booked return travel to attend the next court date, the magistrate declined to suspend the warrant, stressing the importance of complying with court orders.
Spencer faces five criminal charges, including making and uttering false documents, forging a Power of Attorney, and attempting to fraudulently acquire property.
Prosecutors allege he used forged documents, including a will and a Power of Attorney, to try and claim the Karen land.
The disputed property is also claimed by businesswoman Agnes Kagure Kariuki, who says she bought it legally from Robson in 2011.
Spencer insists he was executing Robson’s wishes to use the land proceeds for charitable causes. The court has ordered Spencer to appear on August 11 to take his plea.
2. Daily Nation
The paper spotlighted rising tensions within Kenya’s opposition following the Jubilee Party’s surprise announcement that it could endorse Raila Odinga for the presidency in 2027, on the condition that he severs ties with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government.
Jubilee vice-chair David Murathe, a close ally of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, said the party still views Raila as the Azimio la Umoja coalition leader but expects clarity on his political direction before making a final decision.
This position, however, conflicts with secretary-general Jeremiah Kioni’s stance, who maintains that Jubilee backs ex-CS Fred Matiang’i for the top seat.
The declaration has unsettled leaders within the opposition, sparking criticism from Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP–K) leader Eugene Wamalwa.
He accused Raila of betraying Kenyans by aligning with Ruto and insisted that if he returns to the opposition, he must first apologise and join a list of hopefuls that includes Kalonzo Musyoka, Wamalwa, Martha Karua, and others.
ODM officials have also reacted. Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna expressed discomfort with Raila’s continued cooperation with the government, while Deputy Leader Godfrey Osotsi insisted that any support for Raila should be unconditional.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili daily reported a brewing political storm over the Nairobi governorship, with major political figures and parties already jostling for control of Kenya’s capital ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua have each launched strategic campaigns to court the city’s over 2.4 million registered voters.
With Nairobi being the country’s largest voting bloc and a key economic centre, political analysts say securing it is essential for any serious presidential contender.
In 2022, UDA’s Johnson Sakaja won the seat with 699,392 votes, defeating Azimio’s Polycarp Igathe, who got 573,516.
The decision by Raila to support Igathe over ODM’s Tim Wanyonyi sparked discontent in Nairobi’s ODM base, something that could shape the party’s internal politics moving forward.
As 2027 approaches, Sakaja is seeking re-election, citing his track record. However, the race is drawing in other contenders.
Wanyonyi has shifted focus to Bungoma’s governorship, aligning with a broader deal involving Ruto, Raila, and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula.
Emerging challengers include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has declared interest with or without ODM’s support, former journalist Tony Gachoka running on a KANU ticket, and Irungu Nyakera under Gachagua’s DCP, who’ll face off with Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
4. The Star
The publication reported that Siaya governor James Orengo has quietly returned to Kenya after a month-long medical trip to the United States, ending weeks of speculation over his conspicuous absence from the public eye.
His arrival on Tuesday night at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport came just a day after the paper revealed details of his travel and treatment abroad.
Orengo had last been seen in public on June 23, appearing before a Senate committee hours before departing on Emirates Flight EK720.
Earlier, on June 5, he led Siaya leaders to the State House for a meeting aimed at easing political tensions between county and national government officials.
His extended absence raised concerns about governance in Siaya, with critics citing a leadership vacuum and accusing some county officials of overstepping their constitutional roles.
In particular, County Assembly Speaker George Okode took on unusually high-profile duties during this period.
Civil society groups such as Bunge La Mwananchi, along with concerned residents, questioned the lack of transparency around the governor’s absence.
Some went as far as filing petitions with the county assembly demanding full disclosure of Orengo’s whereabouts and the state of county leadership during his absence.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
