Newspapers Review: Gachagua's Allies Warn Govt Could Collapse, Challenge Uhuru Over Ruto-Raila Deal

On Friday, August 16, the Kenyan newspapers reported that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's allies challenged retired head of state Uhuru Kenyatta to come clean on his influence in the formation of the broad-based government.

The dailies also reported another multi-million scandal at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

1. Daily Nation

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's allies have claimed that the government could collapse following President William Ruto's 'handshake' with former prime minister Raila Odinga.

Gachagua's allies alleged that Raila could rock the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration from within and leave before the 2027 General Election.

Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga claimed Raila was buying time in government before 'destroying' it and quitting.

"It is a pattern whose margin of error is slim. We might soon be running helter-skelter to save our government," Kahiga warned.

On the other hand, former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu wants retired president Uhuru Kenyatta to confirm whether he asked Raila to call Ruto about forming a broad-based government to quell Gen Z protests.

"We demand that Kenyatta declares if his heart is still in Azimio. He should say if he wants the region to go to the opposition or take the unity path Gachagua is championing," Waititu said.

2. The Star

Another audit has exposed the rot at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu tabled a report in parliament showing that KEMSA's top managers were involved in several law violations.

In her report, she revealed that the authority donated KSh 572 million worth of medical supplies to 275 nonexistent health facilities.

Managers also issued health products valued at KSh 56 million to private, faith-based and NGO hospitals and billed the government.

In another case, KEMSA distributed health products worth KSh 867 million to 1,651 private health facilities without proof of commitment to supplying them for free.

KEMSA was also on the spot for diverting cancer products from a donor to a private health facility.

3. People Daily

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has recommended the importation of sugar from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) following a market glut.

AFA wants Kenya to export the excess sugar produced from local factories to increase the nation's foreign earnings.

AFA director general Bruno Linyiru said the country has produced 84,000 metric tonnes of sugar in the last few months, compared to the consumption of 80,000 metric tonnes.

"We have more sugar than we need, so we are looking at exporting the excess sugar produced by local millers in the market," Linyiru said.

4. The Standard

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council chairman Uhuru Kenyatta will soon call for a meeting to iron out differences among members.

Narc Kenya bolted out of Azimio after Ruto appointed several members of ODM to the Cabinet.

Kalonzo said they will continue engaging for Raila as he campaigns to be the next African Union Commission chair.

He said it was democratic for members to have divergent views.

5. Taifa Leo

Teachers' unions have warned of a looming strike that would paralyse learning in all learning institutions.

The strike will affect primary and secondary schools plus universities. This would hit candidates preparing to sit for the national exams.

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) secretary-general Akello Misori said the strike will start on August 26.

The unions are pushing for higher pay and promotions, among other issues.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke