Kenyan Newspapers Review: Raila Odinga To Step Down As ODM Party Leader After Nearly Two Decades

On Thursday, September 5, the local dailies widely reported on Raila Odinga's campaigns for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat in China during the ongoing 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

1. Daily Nation

For nearly two decades, former prime minister Raila Odinga has been the undisputed leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a party that has shaped the landscape of Kenyan politics.

At the helm of the party since its inception in 2005, it is a testament to Raila’s resilience, strategic acumen and unparalleled ability to navigate the turbulent waters of the country’s politics.

Over the years, he has not only cemented his place as a formidable politician but also as a symbol of perseverance in the face of numerous political battles.

His legacy is one of both triumphs and setbacks, yet through it all, Raila has remained a central figure in the quest for democracy and justice in Kenya, earning his place in history as a master strategist and enduring leader.

But after 17 years at the helm of the ODM, multiple sources within his party say it is time for the veteran opposition chief to exit the stage.

The party is planning Raila’s exit as early as next month, allowing him to focus on his campaigns for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The paper established that the party’s Central Management Committee (CMC) is expected to meet soon and most likely take a decision on the matter of succession.

Raila recently signalled his exit from local politics after he declared that he was moving from Kenyan to continental politics in his quest for the AUC post.

Following his formal unveiling as the country’s candidate for the AUC post, the former prime minister now plans to relinquish party leadership.

"Raila is supposed to quit party leadership in October at the latest and has already pronounced himself on the same to the top leadership of the party,” an insider said.

The move is said to have triggered lobbying for his succession in the party.

2. The Star

Operations in the 47 counties face a complete shutdown as county government workers join lecturers in threatening to down their tools, demanding higher pay.

The county government workers have given their employers 21 days to address their pay grievances, or they will shut down all activities.

The workers claim they have been unfairly discriminated against in the current salary adjustment, which has only favoured their counterparts in the national government.

"We have served all the county secretaries. We have given notice of 21 days, and we will down tools," said Kenya County Government Workers Union Secretary-General, Roba Duba.

The state has given pay rises to police officers, teachers, and civil servants in the last month to avert strikes that threatened to stall government services.

The government has been facing strike threats from various sectors, which could harm the already-blessed economy following months of anti-government protests.

3. Taifa Leo

Elders from the Mount Kenya region now want President William Ruto to advise the UDA party’s Secretary-General, Hassan Omar, to stop constantly attacking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In the past two weeks, Omar has made two statements accusing Gachagua, which has irked former provincial commissioner Joseph Kaguthi and the Chairman of the Agikuyu Community Elders Council, Wachira Kago.

Others angered by Omar's accusations directed at Gachagua include the Chairman of GEMA, Lawi Imathiu, and the National Patron of the Kiama kia Ma Council, Kung’u Muigai.

4. The Standard

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has promised to avail to the aviation workers, the documents of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion and refurbishment deal by Indian firm Adani Group.

In the proposed deal that has sparked public uproar, Adani seeks to take over JKIA for 30 years in a plan that includes changing aviation laws and policies to limit competition and maximise profits.

Mutua said it's good for the workers to read through the document so that they can make informed choices about the deal instead of relying on rumours.

“I will communicate with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Davis Chirchir who has accompanied President William Ruto to China to ensure that you get the remaining documents by Friday, for you to peruse through,” said Mutua.

5. People Daily

A senior catechist in the Nakuru Catholic Diocese has died in a motorcycle accident.

Sammy Tarus Maiyo was heading home on his motorbike when he tried to cross a flooded section of the Nakuru-Eldoret highway near the Eveready roundabout but was swept away by raging water into a gully.

The motorbike remained at the scene while his body was washed downstream to Kaptembwa estate in the flood-prone Nakuru Town West sub-county.

A heavy downpour in the area left a trail of destruction and displaced families in parts of Kiamunyi, Kaptembwa, kwa Rhonda, and Mwariki estates.

Homes were destroyed, and household goods were washed away toward the River Ndarugu, which drains into Lake Nakuru.

Maiyo's neighbour, Paul Okumu, said police, with help from local people, recovered his body at midnight and took it to the Nakuru county Mortuary.

"Maiyo has been a catechist for more than 27 years and has worked in various parishes in the diocese. He has also worked as a catechist in East Pokot," said Okumu.

Maiyo served at St. Patrick Catholic Church Ngata and had been the chairperson of catechists in the Nakuru Diocese since 2023 when he succeeded catechist Linus Osiema.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.