On Monday, December 1, the national dailies widely reported on plans by major political parties to take disciplinary action against rebels following hotly contested by-elections.
Source: UGC
Some papers also reported on the headache facing President William Ruto regarding the choice of his running mate in 2027.
1. The Standard
The paper reported on the chaos that erupted at a PCEA church in Kariobangi North ward, where former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua was attending a thanksgiving service.
The event took place on Sunday, November 30, when the DCP party were celebrating after their candidate, David Wanyoike Warui, won the ward’s seat in the November 27 by-elections.
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During the service, two rival groups clashed outside the church, resulting in significant losses as the groups pelted stones at vehicles.
The police responded to the chaos by reportedly lobbing tear gas inside the church and, in some instances, live bullets to disperse the clashing groups, which were reportedly armed with crude weapons.
Several youths were injured and rushed to the hospital as police officers called for reinforcement.
2. The Star
The paper reported on revelations by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka that the opposition will file a petition over the recent by-election results.
Speaking at AIC Mukuni in Machakos county on Sunday, November 30, Kalonzo said the opposition is preparing a petition to contest the victory of Malava MP-elect David Ndakwa and Mbeere North MP-elect Leonard Wa Muthende.
He said the opposition has a strong case that could lead to the overturning of the Malava and Mbeere North by-election results.
“We know that many Kenyans, especially in Malava and Mbeere North are bitter. They used the police, who collaborated with goons, to intimidate voters, we are preparing a strong and clear petition,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader accused President William Ruto of directly influencing the Mbeere North by-election in favour of the UDA candidate.
“William Ruto knows that UDA did not win in Malava and Mbeere. We have evidence that he personally called police commanders in Mbeere North to ensure Muthende won, The whole world knows Ruto used every trick in the book to give the impression of victory. The trust is he lost,” he added.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili publication reported that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is likely to face stiff competition in his effort to retain his seat in 2027.
Following the recent by-elections, analysts argue that President William Ruto will have a hard time settling on who will be his running mate.
Already, there are talks of a coalition between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In the ODM party, Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga has emerged as the likely candidate to deputise Ruto.
Wanga, who is the Orange party chairperson, has been a vocal proponent of the broad-based government.
According to reliable sources, Ruto might pick Wanga as one way to tap into the support base of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Other close associates of the president are advocating for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to be picked as the running mate.
According to this group, Mudavadi could easily be a compromise candidate if the Mt Kenya and Nyanza regions insist on the seat.
However, Kindiki also remains a favourite candidate for the seat, given that he delivered the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
4. Daily Nation
The publication reported on plans by the broad-based government to purge rebel MPs following the recent by-election.
Buoyed by the results, the two parties are now planning to discipline MPs and senators who went against them and supported rival candidates.
Among those allegedly targeted are Nyamira senator Okong’o Omogeni and Nyali MP Mohamed Ali ‘Jicho Pevu’.
The two are targeted for removal as Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) members.
Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, who defied his UDA position by campaigning for DAP-K’s Seth Panyako against David Nandwa, is also likely to be dewhipped.
Other lawmakers likely to be de-whipped include Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Caleb Amisi (Sabaoti), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Jack Wamboka (Bumula) and Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula).
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
