Kenyan Newspapers Review, December 20: Uhuru Kenyatta Makes Comeback To Politics With New Strategy

On Wednesday, December 20, the Kenyan dailies covered a wide range of topics, with the political status quo getting prominence.

One of the analysed retired president Uhur8u Kenyatta's comeback to politics after a long while of being out.

1. The Standard

The publication reported on former president Uhuru Kenyatta's return to active politics after watching from the periphery for a time.

The former president's lieutenants and loyalists have regrouped to start off a wave aimed at winning the Mt Kenya electorate back from President William Ruto's fold.

They met at the Kiambu High School on Tuesday, December 19, where they strategised on their next moves using the Jubilee Party, which is currently split with both splinter groups claiming leadership of the political outfit.

Uhuru's faction, led by secretary-general Jeremiah Kioni, is facing off with their rival group under nominated MP Sabina Chege.

The Uhuru-leaning group said their aim was to mobilise support from the populous region, which they claim has been sidelined by the Ruto administration.

Uhuru met them a few days back at Raila Odinga's residence in Karen.

He said he had been receiving complaints from Kenyans about the current state of the economy.

Uhuru observed that most businesses closing down belonged to the Mt Kenya people.

He asked those who felt oppressed not to be cowed down lest they continue suffering with the current regime's policies.

"Even when you are intimidated stand by the truth. If you don't oppose bad leadership you will still suffer by its policies," he said.

Uhuru took pride in supporting Raila's candidature in the 2022 vote, saying he did not regret his decision.

2. People Daily

People Daily soared space for the tribulations faced by the Carrefour Retail chain over its supposed unfair bargaining power over suppliers.

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) fined the retailer a whopping KSh 1.1 billion for allegedly abusing its buyer power.

CAK penalised Majid Al Futtaim Hypermarkets Ltd, which trades under Carrefour, for abusing its superior bargaining power over Pwani Oil Products Limited and Woodlands Company Limited.

Pwani Oil, founded by Ramesh Malde, Anil Malde and Naresh Malde, is a fast-moving consumer goods company dealing with edible oils, soap and skin-care products.

Woodlands, on the other hand, deals with refined honey.

"The supermarket chain is required to amend all supplier contracts and expunge clauses that facilitate abuse of power, including but not limited to the application of listing fees, collection of rebates and unilateral delisting of suppliers.

The authority has also ordered Carrfour to refund Woodlands and Pwani Oil a total of KSh 16.75 million in rebates deducted from their invoices as well as KSh 500,000 that was billed as marketing support," CAK stated.

3. Taifa Leo

The Swahili newspaper reported on the drama at Noah Wekesa's residence in Maili Tatu, Trans Nzoia county, where a group of unknown people raided and made away with valuables.

Wekesa served in former president the late Mwai Kibaki's government as the Forestry Minister.

He said he found his home swept by the thugs, who were yet to be identified.

He lost his gun, money and other valuables.

No one was injured during the raid.

4. Daily Nation

The daily reported on the woes faced by Okiya Omtatah, who claimed his life was in danger.

Police officers in Kisii county thwarted the Busia senator's efforts to report what he described as death threats being issued by President William Ruto.

The senator was determined to file a report and record a statement against Ruto because the president had issued remarks he deemed threatening to his life during a recent public rally.

Officers at Nyanchwa Police Station turned away the legislator on Tuesday, December 19.

He had obtained an OB number at Mosocho Police Station in Kitutu Chache and was referred to Nyanchwa.

The head of state ignited divided opinions among Kenyans by saying he would use the sword he was given while ascending to power to slice those who stood in his way towards delivering Kenya Kwanza pledges to Kenyans.

Ruto made the remarks on Saturday, December 16, during a church fundraiser event at Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho.

Omtatah said the president singled out individuals opposing the Housing Levy as his leading detractors.

"During his speech, the president censured those opposing the Finance Act ruling that termed the housing levy unconstitutional. He was explicit that he would deal with them with the sword that he was given. The threat was directed to me for championing against the housing levy, "Omtatah argued.

The legislator, known to be a stickler for the constitution, argued that the remarks by Ruto indicating that the sword he received as president was not for cutting vegetables but for dealing with crooks opposing his administration were not only threatening but also demeaning.

He insisted that police officers' frustration would not stop him from ensuring his report was on record.

The lawmaker reiterated that he must file the complaint as provided for by law and ensure Ruto's sentiments are probed.

"I met an OCPD who wants to bully me because he does not respect the constitution. He refused to record my statement. He believes he understands the law better than everyone else. I will lawfully ensure this statement is on record," stated Omtatah.