Kenyan Newspapers Review: Looming Political Showdown as UDA Dismisses ODM's Demands
On Monday, August 18, the national dailies widely reported on the Harambee Stars' win against Zambia in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Source: UGC
The papers also reported on the emerging cracks in the broad-based government ahead of the November by-elections.
1. The Star
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has gazetted the replacement of Gloria Orwoba as a nominated senator.
In a notice dated August 15, the IEBC named Consolata Nabwire to take over the position, ending Orwoba’s three-year stint in the Senate.
Nabwire's appointment suspends Orwoba's tumultuous political career, marking a unique instance of a legislator's rise and fall within one term.
She is the first Kenyan legislator to lose her seat due to party expulsion. Nominated senators, like elected members, receive full parliamentary benefits, including salaries and allowances exceeding KSh 1 million.
2. The Standard
The publication reported on Harambee Stars' historic win against Zambia at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Harambee Stars beat Zambia 1-0 to seal their place in the quarterfinals in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Harambee Stars won the game following a goal by Ryan Ogam during the 75th minute.
The win means Kenya will finish top in Group A ahead of Morocco, who defeated DR Congo to seal position two.
Following the win, the players will receive KSh 3 million each after ODM leader Raila Odinga pledged KSh 500,000 to every player, on top of the KSh 2.5 million per player commitment earlier made by President William Ruto after the Stars’ memorable 1-0 victory over Morocco last week.
3. Daily Nation
The paper reported on the divisions in the broad-based government ahead of the upcoming by-elections.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) declared it will field candidates in all 23 vacant seats in the upcoming by-elections, which are scheduled for November 27, 2025.
Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been pushing for zoning or consensus with the UDA party.
However, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed calls for zoning or consensus, insisting that UDA will field candidates in all positions.
“Not to pre-empt the discussions that will ensue, but there will be no agreement that defeats democracy, particularly the popular will of the people. UDA is fully prepared for the elections. On August 15, 2025, we published a notice inviting members to declare interest. We are confident of winning a significant number,” Omar said.
For instance, ODM wanted UDA to bolt out of the Magarani by-elections, something which Omar said would not happen.
“Take it from me, Mr Kenga will be on the ballot. You win an election fraudulently by 21 votes, it is nullified by the Supreme Court, and you expect us to surrender the seat? Impossible,” Omar said, challenging former MP Harrison Kombe to face Kenga at the ballot.
According to Omar, Ruto's party will contest in all other vacant seats, including Kasipul-Kabondo, Ugunja, Baringo Senatorial, Mbeere North, Malava, Banisa, and several wards.
With UDA's stand, the by-election will prove to be a major litmus test for Ruto-Raila unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili publication reported on the major win by Chief Justice Martha Koome and six Supreme Court judges.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) dismissed a series of petitions seeking the removal of six judges, including Chief Justice Koome.
According to JSC, all the petitions failed to meet the constitutional threshold required for ouster.
Among those cleared were Supreme Court judge Isaac Lenaola, Court of Appeal judges Asike Makhandia and Kathurima M’Inoti, and High Court judge Alfred Mabeya.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi had petitioned for the removal of Chief Justice Koome, accusing her of misconduct for empanelling a three-judge bench to hear a case she and other Supreme Court judges had lodged against the JSC.
“The petition was tabled before the Commission at its meeting of July 30, 2025, and upon deliberation, the Commission concluded that it did not meet the threshold for removal of a judge under Article 168 of the Constitution,” JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya said.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
