Kenyan Newpapers, August 19: Angry UDA, ODM MPs Walkout on Raila, Ruto after Corruption Lecture
The local newspapers on Tuesday, August 19, covered an array of topics, including the disquiet in the ODM and UDA Parliamentary Group that ended in foul moods for the attendees who did not welcome the tough lecture on corruption from President William Ruto and former prime minister Raila Odinga.
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Elsewhere, the newspapers reported on the anticipated return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who is expected back in Nairobi this Thursday after cutting short his tour in the United States.
1. People Daily
People Daily covered the tension at the Parliamentary Group meeting called on Monday, August 18, by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Members of the Senate and the National Assembly from the ODM party and Kenya Kwanza convened in Karen under the stewardship of the president and the former prime minister.
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The meeting was to cement the teams' resolve to implement the 10-point agenda on which their partnership was founded, but ended in a stalemate.
In their respective times to address the lawmakers, Ruto and Raila castigated them for embracing corruption in their official undertakings.
For instance, Ruto claimed that members of the National Assembly's departmental committees were extorting monies from the members of the National Executive to have favourable reports on various matters of concern, or even to pass bills.
The president authoritatively argued that there exists a syndicate in the National Assembly that is receiving millions and denting the credibility of the legislature.'
He declared that he would initiate their arrests.
Raila underscored Ruto's sentiments, arguing that senators were demanding as much as KSh 150 million to be candid with the governors appearing before them on critical matters or even impeachment.
The ODM leader further revisited his calls to the MPs to confine themselves to their core mandates, which are making laws, representation, and checking the executive, and give up the management of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The two leaders' presence on the podium did not sit well with the lawmakers, some of whom heckled them in protest.
They wondered why their principals were being unfair to them with a blanket condemnation.
So angry were they that they left the Karen venue without eating the food prepared for them, People Daily reported.
At the same time, People Daily reported that the ODM party shelved its plan to eject secretary general Edwin Sifuna after weighing the impact of the move.
A ranking ODM member confided in People Daily that before the PG, the party had met and resolved to remove Sifuna, and replace him with a "friendlier" figure who would toe the party leader's line as regards partnering with Ruto.
Among the replacements would be Nyando MP Jared Okello, Busia governor Paul Otuoma and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The anonymous source told People Daily that the party abandoned the plan after noting that ejecting Sifuna would be detrimental to the party, as he would leave with a huge chunk of supporters.
Sifuna, who is also the senator for Nairobi, has been categorical that he won't be party to any plan by ODM to work with Ruto in the lead-up to the 2027 vote.
2. Taifa Leo
The newspaper reported on the anticipated return of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to Kenya from the United States.
Gachagua is expected back in Nairobi on Thursday, July 21.
Cleophas Malala, Gachagua's deputy in DCP, said that immediately after touching down, his boss would make his way to the Kamkunji grounds to address his supporters.
"We wish to inform you that the schedule for Gachagua's return has not changed, and our leader will be landing in the country this Thursday after his month-long visit to the US," said Malala.
"The motorcade will leave JKIA at 8 am to the city centre and later Gachagua will proceed to Kamkunji Stadium - a historic site where he will address a public meeting," added Malala.
Anticipating a likely move by the government operatives to block Gachagua's touchdown at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Malala asked their supporters to prepare to receive him either in Kisumu or Mombasa, Taifa Leo reported.
The DCP deputy leader warned that any attempt to arrest Gachagua will result in a political crisis in the country.
Gachagua returns amid calls by government bureaucrats to have him arrested and record statements after accusing Ruto's administration of criminal engagements with terrorists from Somalia and the RSF fighters in Sudan.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had called for Gachagua's detention as soon as he lands, for him to shed light on his claims against Ruto.
3. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the killing of former Siaya County Assembly clerk Isaac Olwero.
Olwero was murdered inside a bar he owns in South West Seme, Kisumu County, on Sunday, August 17.
The killing is alleged to have been carried out by mistake by police officers who were responding to distress calls after an attack on the establishment.
A police report said the officers were patrolling the area when they received a call that the bar had been attacked.
"The assistant chief received information from the manager that thieves were breaking into the bar's entrance. He also called police officers from Kombewa who were on patrol," read an excerpt of a report from Kombewa police station.
In fighting the robbers, one of the officers accidentally hit the owner of the pub, who was hiding in a bush, killing him on the spot.
Siaya governor James Orengo mourned him, calling on the state investigators to swiftly unravel the matter.
"Devastated by the tragic loss of Felix Olwero...We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms and demand swift, thorough investigations to ensure justice is served. No life should ever be cut short in such a senseless manner," Orengo said.
4. The Standard
The newspaper spared space for the fate of Kericho governor Erick Mutai, set to be determined by the Senate.
On Monday, August 18, the Kericho County Assembly transmitted the resolution to impeach Mutai to the Senate.
County Speaker Patrick Mutai also furnished the upper legislative house with supporting evidence and full records of proceedings and notes.
At the same time, 18 MCAs who stood with the governor filed their affidavits, arguing their impeachment was irregular and unconstitutional and was "marred by procedural improprieties, lack of transparency, and breaches of fair administrative practices."
Mutai was impeached on August 15 after 33 MCAs voted to send him home
The governor was accused of, among other things, alleged abuse of office, violation of the constitution, irregular procurement procedures, skewed and nepotistic appointments, engaging in illegal dismissals and transfers, and usurping the constitutional and statutory functions of public organs.
This would be his second ouster attempt after surviving another one last October.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
