Kenyan Newspapers Review: Azimio To Expel Raila Odinga Over His Deal With Ruto

On Monday, August 19, the national dailies widely reported on widening cracks in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party.

The dailies also reported on the ongoing debate regarding the new university funding model.

1. Daily Nation

The publication reported on President William Ruto's passionate defence of the new university funding model despite concerns from some stakeholders and students ahead of admission starting in September 2024.

Speaking at Baraton University on Sunday, August 18, Ruto highlighted that the new funding model is anchored on consideration of students’ varying levels of vulnerability.

Ruto, who revealed that making the decision to adopt the new funding model was difficult, argued that most people opposed to it will see how progressive it is along the way.

“I am persuaded now that we need a funding model that is not focused on the university but focused on the student. A funding model that will not leave any child in Kenya behind but a funding model that recognises that there are children that come from vulnerable families,” Ruto said.

Some Kenyans are opposed to the new model, and some describe it as oppressive. It categorises families into bands depending on their monthly income.

2. Standard

The paper reported on the widening cracks in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party following the deal between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

In the latest development, the Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K) has asked the Azimio la Umoja governing council to expel Raila-led ODM from the coalition.

DAP-K accused the ODM leader of going to bed with the government without the knowledge of the coalition’s affiliate parties.

The party led by Eugene Wamalwa stated during its National Executive Council meeting that DAP-K is committed to its opposition role and unwilling to continue collaborating with Raila.

"The NEC has instructed me to notify the Azimio One Kenya Coalition that ODM should formally exit the coalition due to its close association with the Kenya Kwanza government," Wamalwa said after the NEC meeting.

Wamalwa said DAP-K will remain on the side of ordinary Kenyans and will support Gen Z and millennials in their push for reforms.

3. Taifa Leo

The Swahili publication reported on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's recent outburst regarding plans to impeach him by a section of Kenya Kwanza MPs.

Speaking at a function on Saturday, August 18, in Njoro, Nakuru county, Gachagua claimed people he helped win the 2022 elections were behind plans to impeach him.

Gachagua said despite campaigning for some leaders to win seats, they have now turned against him.

"There are many people I assisted during campaigns to clinch the seats they hold today. But I realised they are the same people plotting my downfall and backstabbing me," Gachagua said.

The deputy president warned he would not support any leader plotting his downfall in the 2027 General Election.

4. The Star

The paper highlighted the planned impeachment hearing against the embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

On Monday, August 19, the Senate will start interrogating the impeaching motion against Kawira.

According to a Gazette Notice by Speaker Amason Kingi, the trial will take place for two days.

"Special sittings of the Senate to hear the charges against Hon Kawira Mwangaza, Governor of Meru County, seeking her removal from office through impeachment, will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024 and Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in the Senate Chamber by way of Plenary."

The governor will be tried in plenary after senators defeated a motion to set up an 11-member select committee to hear her case.

Most senators argued that the motion was of much public interest and would be better executed in the plenary.

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