On Saturday, October 4, Kenyan newspapers focused on deepening political and administrative tensions across the country.
The Saturday Nation reported growing cracks within the United Opposition, a coalition formed to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. Disagreements among top leaders have exposed internal divisions and personal rivalries.
At the centre of the dispute is the role of former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party. Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua criticised “boardroom politics,” insisting that true political strength lies in grassroots mobilisation. On the other hand, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i defended his ties with Jubilee, describing it as a democratic and youth-focused movement.
Gachagua accused Matiang’i of lacking local support in Kisii, while Matiang’i urged patience, saying Jubilee was undergoing restructuring and preparing to engage young voters ahead of 2027. Analysts believe the opposition’s internal strife gives President Ruto a strategic advantage as his party appears more united and organised.
The tension played out openly at a United Opposition rally in Kajiado, where leaders including Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi promised to hold Ruto accountable for corruption and human rights abuses if they take power. Land injustices in Kajiado were also raised as key campaign issues.
Meanwhile, The Saturday Standard reported growing anger within the National Police Service over unpaid allowances. Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat is under scrutiny for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for officers deployed during the CHAN tournament.
Over KSh11 million was reportedly allocated for officers’ per diems, but many claim they received only a fraction of what was promised. Some constables said they got as little as KSh10,000 instead of the expected KSh97,000. Senior officers were also affected, with suspicions of misappropriation at the top.
The Local Organising Committee clarified that the funds were sent directly to the police service, not handled by the committee. Despite official denials, many officers remain unpaid, while others quietly accepted reduced payments.
Observers say Lagat, who oversaw deployment and payments, bears the main responsibility. The scandal has sparked public outrage and raised questions about transparency in the police service.
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