Kenyan Papers: Ruto Attacks Kalonzo's Strongholds in 2027 Race

On Friday, November 14, Kenyan newspapers focused on the efforts for the 2027 presidential election, which are beginning to form and involve...

On Friday, November 14, Kenyan newspapers focused on the efforts for the 2027 presidential election, which are beginning to form and involve two opposing groups.

The daily news covered President William Ruto's intentions to bring under control Trans-Nzoia governor George Natembeya and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.

1. The Star

President William Ruto has initiated an intense political campaign aimed at the core areas of his rivals, in a bid to expand his voter support before the 2027 General Election.

Although he aims to inherit the large voter base of his former ally, the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, the president is committed to securing votes in regions seen as the strongholds of his opponents.

Ruto is currently engaged in a four-day effort to win favor in Ukambani, a region that has been under the influence of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for many years.

Kalonzo is leading the race to represent the Opposition in the 2027 elections following his support from former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

Ruto has broadened his political influence into Mount Kenya, the long-standing stronghold of his separated former vice leader, Gachagua.

The head of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has kept a strong presence in the area with high voter turnout by means of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is spearheading initiatives focused on empowering women and young people, as well as providing financial support, machinery, and tools.

2. People Daily

The release disclosed that President Ruto is scheduled to travel to Trans Nzoia county in an effort to persuade Governor George Natembeya and other opposition figures to join his camp.

Ruto is targeting the multiethnic region and is benefiting from the backing of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula in both Trans Nzoia and Bungoma.

The president aims to limit the power of Natembeya and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, as they did not support him in the 2022 General Election, where he came after Raila.

Ruto is said to be conscious of the tough challenge that awaits him in Trans-Nzoia and is striving to create a strategy that could result in a complete separation between Wamalwa and Natembeya.

The country's leader is scheduled to meet with them as part of his initiative-focused visit across the region within the next week. He plans to convince them to participate in the government.

3. The Standard

As per the most recent publication from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), three groups make up the bulk of employment within the country's parastatal organizations.

The information published on Thursday, November 13, showed that the groups with the highest number of workers are Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Luo, with 29,352, 25,729, and 20,656 members employed by government bodies, respectively.

The findings indicated that 299 parastatals employ more than 146,000 Kenyan citizens.

Nevertheless, the three communities, which add up to 75,737 people, have over half of these job positions, while the other 39 share the rest.

4. Daily Nation

Mama Ida Odinga, who has been welcoming visitors at Opoda Farm since her husband Raila's passing on Wednesday, October 15, had a short pause this week.

Ida has been receiving guests, such as notable officials, at their family residence in Bondo.

The family anticipated that normal routines would return soon following the former prime minister's burial on Sunday, October 19, during a funeral ceremony that included the president and other officials.

Nevertheless, both local and global tourists kept coming to Bondo to express their final respects to the 'mystery'.

The large number of visitors led Raila's wife to take a break on Sunday, November 9, as she traveled to Nairobi, with other family members standing in for her.

5. Taifa Leo

Business professionals and financiers in the hospitality sector are showing great enthusiasm as hundreds of ODM representatives from across the country head to Mombasa to mark the party's 20th anniversary.

The coastal city has also experienced an increase in commercial activity since early November because of the organization of major national and regional conferences, including the Kenya Primary School Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) meeting.

A significant increase in tourists was commonly seen in December, the peak holiday period, in earlier years.

As stated by Brenda Muli, who manages several short-term rental properties similar to Airbnb, the tourism industry has benefited from the surge.