Kenya Newspapers Review: Kalonzo Musyoka Vows Not To Drop His Bid To Unseat William Ruto In 2027

On Monday, January 1, the local publications covered happenings around the country as Kenyans converged at different social establishments to welcome the new year.

The newspapers also reported on President William Ruto's New Year address that covered his government's wins and misses in 2023 ahead of the new year.

1. The Standard

The publication reported that a man was killed by a mob at Mutheng'o village in Maragua after he stabbed his wife following a domestic dispute.

David Kimani Kang'ethe was accosted by an angry mob near his home in a bid to avenge the stabbing of his wife, Esther Mumbi, 29.

Alice Wandia, Kang'ethe's mother-in-law, went to buy milk, leaving the couple at home around 6pm only to receive a call informing her that there was a fight in her compound.

Neighbours rushed to Wandia's compound and found Mumbi in critical condition and rushed her to Maragua Level Four Hospital before being referred to Murang'a Level Five Hospital for specialised treatment.

Murang'a South Police Commander Jane Nyakeruma said Mumbi, a mother of one, had separated from her spouse a year ago and had come to visit their six-year-old daughter.

2. Daily Nation

According to the daily, Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya leader Kalonzo Musyoka hinted that he would contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he would not support Azimio leader Raila Odinga for a sixth attempt.

The 70-year-old politician said dropping his presidential ambitions again in favour of Raila, as he did in 2013, 2017, and 2022, would mean retiring from active politics because of his age.

He exuded confidence that he had the support of the opposition brigade, including Raila, to unseat Ruto in the next election.

In October, Raila gave the most unambiguous indication that the opposition coalition would rally behind Musyoka as its flagbearer.

However, he retracted his endorsement after his statement reportedly caused jitters in the camp.

But some of Raila's close allies have since started aligning themselves with Musyoka, giving credence to reports that Raila might endorse his candidacy.

He also appealed to some ODM politicians whom he accused of constantly pushing Raila to be on the ballot to win their seats, saying they could still win without the former premier on the ballot.

Musyoka, who served as the late Mwai Kibaki's vice president between 2008 and 2013, revealed that the coalition would decide on its candidate early enough to avoid confusion that has marred similar processes in the past.

He expressed confidence in his candidature, saying the stars were aligned for his second attempt at the top seat.

3. Taifa Leo

The Kiswahili paper reported as Kenyans welcome the new year 2024, all eyes are on Ruto to reduce the cost of living.

Since taking office in September 2022, rising prices of essential goods like food, fuel, and electricity have challenged Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government.

In his one-year tenure, prices of crucial items such as cooking oil, flour, and sugar surged, causing hardship for citizens.

The government imposed heavy taxes to fund the KSh 3.7 trillion budget, exacerbating the rising cost of living.

Prices of petroleum, diesel, and kerosene also soared, surpassing KSh 200 per litre. Many companies reported losses due to high taxation and the depreciation of the Kenyan Shilling against foreign currencies, like the US Dollar.

To alleviate financial burdens, some firms downsized, while others relocated, citing unfavourable business conditions.

Despite opposition, activists, and complaints from ruling coalition MPs, Ruto insists on economic reforms.

Several activists, including Senator Okiya Omtatah and lawyers from the Law Society of Kenya, challenged tax laws in court, but the president claims they're funded by government opponents.

Many analysts have suggested Ruto's actions in 2024 would determine whether he eases his stance and reduces the cost of living, especially after Raila Odinga threatened protests against the government.