Kenyan Newspapers Review For Friday Aug 30: Raila's Allies Hint At Forming Alliance With Ruto

On Friday, August 30, Kenyan newspapers widely reported President William Ruto's tour to the Nyanza region, perceived as a political stronghold of his new ally, Raila Odinga.

The dailies also reported that MPs want the deal between Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) stopped.

1. People Daily

President William Ruto is on a three-day tour of the Nyanza region, considered a stronghold of former prime minister Raila Odinga.

Ruto is visiting the region to launch and inspect development projects after appointing several members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to his Cabinet.

Following the formation of the broad-based government, the president and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, received a warm welcome in the region.

Raila's allies hinted at forming a political outfit with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Simba Arati (Kisii) said ODM and UDA may form a grand coalition in the run to the 2027 polls.

"If these people in UDA are giving you a hectic time, you should come back to your former party ODM so that tutakupanga huko," Arati said.

2. The Standard

Former prime minister Raila Odinga must garner the support of at least two-thirds of Africa's 55 countries to win the African Union (AU) Commission chairship bid.

Geopolitics, language, and religion will play major roles in determining who succeeds Chad's Moussa Faki as the next chair of the AU Commission.

However, six countries have been suspended from voting over hostile takeovers or coups. These are Sudan, Gabon, Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Benin.

To clinch the seat, Raila will need to garner 33 votes. He has the support of 20 countries so far and is set to intensify campaigns across the continent.

He will face off with Djibouti's Mahmoud Youssouf, Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato and Mauritius's Anil Kumarsingh Gayan.

3. The Star

Kenyan lawmakers want the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal between JKIA and Adani Group stopped as it is allegedly shrouded in mystery and secrecy.

Members of the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee called for the deal to be suspended after National Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Chris Kiptoo failed to provide substantial information on it.

Kiptoo gave a one-line response to questions from lawmakers, saying the review was ongoing.

The PS promised to give a comprehensive report later, but the MPs were unsatisfied with his brief explanation.

"I have enough texts here from Gen Z and the public. Some of the protests we witnessed last month were as a result of the secrecy in these deals," Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku said.

4. Daily Nation

A silent war in the presidency has emerged as President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, try to outdo each other.

The publication reported that videos shared by Ruto's team edit out Gachagua, while those made by the DP do not show the president.

On Wednesday, August 28, State House shared a video of Ruto being warmly received in Migori and Kisumu counties. A day later, Gachagua's team shared an edited video showing how he was cheered.

This comes amid the scramble to inherit Raila Odinga's Nyanza region. Raila, vying for the AU Commission chairship, said he would suspend local politics to concentrate on his bid.

5. Taifa Leo

President William Ruto has promised to make Homa Bay Kenya's sixth city.

During his visit to the Lakeside town, the head of state said the government is committed to improving the region's economy.

"We are planning to confer a city status to Homa Bay, and I will make sure it's done," Ruto said.

However, he did not give a timeline. The Senate must approve Homa Bay's city bid.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke