On Thursday, January 22, newspapers turned the spotlight on evolving political alignments, major court decisions, and early election manoeuvres as both Kenya Kwanza and opposition camps mapped their strategies ahead of 2027.
Source: UGC
1. The Star
As per the daily, fresh climate forecasts indicate a rapid shift in global weather patterns, with a weak La Niña expected to fade and give way to a weak, possibly moderate to strong El Niño by mid-2026, raising early concerns for Kenya.
International weather centres, including the US Climate Prediction Center, project El Niño conditions could emerge between May and July, a development that often signals heavier rainfall across the country.
While experts caution that it is still too early to pin down exact impacts, they agree that the transition is unfolding faster than initially expected.
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The US and Australian meteorological agencies have both flagged growing chances of El Niño, though they warn that forecast accuracy drops beyond May.
India’s Meteorological Department echoed the outlook, noting a higher probability of El Niño conditions during the June–July–August period, with clearer signals expected in the coming months.
Closer home, the Kenya Meteorological Department is yet to issue an official comment but is expected to release its long-rains forecast in February, covering March to May.
What is clear, however, is that La Niña, which has brought prolonged dry conditions, is ending, even as its harsh effects linger in northern Kenya.
The Kenya Red Cross Society has urged authorities to urgently embed climate risk management into national development planning, warning that climate shocks are already straining vulnerable communities.
2. The Standard
The publication reported that opposition factions appeared determined to avoid another prolonged stay outside government and had begun laying the groundwork for fresh alliances aimed at blocking President William Ruto from securing a second term.
Central to these efforts was Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which formally endorsed its 2026 Plan of Action, signalling an early push to reorganise.
The strategy document was adopted following a three-day leadership retreat held in Mombasa, where party lawmakers and senior officials met to reflect on past setbacks and map out a clearer path forward.
Discussions at the forum reportedly focused on strengthening internal structures, broadening grassroots support and positioning the party for cooperation with other opposition players.
Engagement with former president Uhuru Kenyatta emerged as a major pillar of the plan, reflecting DCP’s intention to tap into his influence and consolidate opposition parties.
Gachagua said the retreat had brought together leaders who shared similar goals and frustrations, culminating in the adoption of a clear operational roadmap.
“After a three-day retreat with like-minded legislators, we have ratified the Plan of Action for the year,” Gachagua said.
3. Taifa Leo
According to the Swahili paper, the High Court delivered a landmark ruling affirming that WhatsApp chats and SMS messages can constitute legally binding contracts if essential elements of a valid agreement are proven.
The decision arose from a business dispute between Fredrick Ochiel and Kennedy Okoth over an ultrasound machine, underscoring how informal digital dealings now carry legal weight.
The case stemmed from an oral agreement allegedly reached in September 2024, in which Okoth leased his ultrasound machine to Ochiel at KSh1,000 per day for 145 days.
Although the machine was collected in Nairobi and used, Ochiel paid only KSh5,000, failed to return it, and later denied that any agreed fee existed, arguing there was no written contract.
Both the Small Claims Court and, on appeal, the High Court in Siaya sided with Mr Okoth, upholding an award of KSh145,000.
Justice David Kemei ruled that contracts need not be written to be enforceable, stressing that offer, acceptance, consideration, and capacity can be inferred from conduct and communications.
The court relied heavily on SMS and WhatsApp exchanges showing discussions on charges, payment timelines, and acknowledgements of debt, concluding there was a clear meeting of minds.
The judge dismissed objections on the admissibility of the digital evidence, noting Ochiel failed to challenge its production in time, effectively accepting it. Jurisdictional arguments were also rejected.
Beyond the compensation, the ruling sends a clear warning to businesses and individuals: informal deals backed by digital messages can bind parties fully, and courts will not undo agreements simply because one side later regrets the terms.
4. Daily Nation
As per the paper, President William Ruto kicked off early preparations for his 2027 re-election bid by convening two high-level meetings with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders and aspirants.
The first meeting, a Special National Governing Council (NGC) session set for January 26 at State House, Nairobi, will bring together all elected UDA officials, while a second forum with aspiring candidates is scheduled for February 4.
The strategy centres on tightening control of grassroots networks, a move seen as critical ahead of the next General Election.
Ruto has ordered repeat grassroots elections in disputed polling centres across 42 counties, targeting about 600,000 officials nationwide. The decision followed complaints from elected leaders who felt sidelined during the initial exercise.
According to party officials, the president wants the repeat polls concluded after he meets both elected leaders and aspirants to ensure buy-in and reduce future disputes.
Beyond internal party organisation, the meetings will also serve as a platform for Ruto to outline a possible pre-election coalition framework with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Both parties have already endorsed structured negotiations, with UDA insisting it must first complete its internal elections before formally entering any coalition talks.
UDA secretary-general Hassan Omar confirmed the launch of a UDA Aspirants Forum, requiring all hopefuls to register through a party portal ahead of the February meeting.
Party chairperson Cecily Mbarire said the NGC will review UDA’s performance three years into government, including progress on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot expressed confidence that UDA’s grassroots-driven approach, coupled with the broad-based government arrangement, positions the party strongly for 2027, as it seeks to expand its national footprint.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
