Kenyan Newspapers Review: Ruto Unveils New Strategy Ahead of 2027 Poll, Targets Uhuru, Natembeya
On Monday, July 14, the national dailies widely reported on the battle between the government and the opposition ahead of the 2027 poll.
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Source: UGC
The papers also reported on the return to office of Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat.
1. Daily Nation
The publication reported on the controversy surrounding the return to office of Deputy Inspector General of the National Police Service Eliud Lagat.
Lagat stepped aside to allow investigations into the murder of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang inside a cell at Central Police Station.
The embattled deputy IG is expected to return to office on Monday, July 14, after investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) failed to link him directly to Ojwang's death.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that his deputy had been cleared of any wrongdoing.
"I hope to see him back at the office today because he has been cleared by all the investigations," Kanja said.
2. Taifa Leo
The Kiswahili publication reported on President William Ruto's strategy to win the 2027 General Election.
Ruto told his close allies in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance that he would not be defeated by the opposition in the upcoming election.
The Service Party leader, Mwangi Kiunjuri, disclosed that Ruto's camp is unshaken and that there are plans to deploy a political war chest that the opposition will not match.
According to insiders, the strategy includes reorganising the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, exploiting divisions in Mt Kenya and poaching opposition heavyweights to their camp.
“Who said President Ruto is leaving? From 2027 to 2032, there might be new faces, but he will still be the Head of State. He told us all is well and to ignore the opposition's doomsday narratives. I know because I’m one of the principals he called,” Kiunjuri said.
One of Ruto's strategies is to poach key opposition leaders, and one of those on Ruto's radar is Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya.
The president will also attempt to woo Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.
“Politics is a game of trading horses and all have their eyes on interests. All leaders in the opposition can be poached if offered a better deal. The only opposition chief we do not want is Gachagua,” Kiunjuri disclosed.
To win the Mt Kenya region, Ruto is planning to deploy a divide and rule tactic to manage the influence of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto is also planning to revive his relationship with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, a strategy leaders say will deflect the gains made by Gachagua over the control of Mt Kenya region.
3. The Star
The paper reported on the arrest of a businessman over a shooting incident in Narok county.
According to the police report, the businessman shot and killed a reveller in an altercation at the parking yard of a club in Narok Town on Saturday, July 12.
The suspect, who is a licensed gun holder, had an altercation with the deceased over a parking space.
After an argument, the businessman allegedly went for his Glock pistol and opened fire, fatally injuring the other motorist, identified as Mandela Nabala, 35.
The victim was rushed to the Narok County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
4. The Standard
The publication highlighted the summons by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) against Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara.
Kihara, a close ally of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, was ordered to report at the DCI headquarters on Monday, July 14, at 10.30 am.
The summons, signed by deputy director of the investigations bureau George Lenny Kisaka, accuses Kihara of uttering inciteful remarks.
"The bureau is investigating an alleged offence of undermining the authority of a public officer contrary to Section 132 of the Penal Code, CAP 63, Laws of Kenya; whereby a complaint on dissemination of inciteful or disruptive content, features," the summons read.
However, the lawmaker dismissed the summons, terming it political persecution.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
