1. The Star
The Star highlights the political struggles of youthful MPs championing the Kenya Moja movement ahead of the 2027 elections. Branded as a push for “generational change,” the group has been touring the country, with Busia as their next stop. Analysts warn that their survival depends on cutting ties with powerful patrons such as Fred Matiang’i and Rigathi Gachagua, as well as raising enough resources for a costly national campaign. Without financial muscle—given the high expenses of Kenyan elections—the movement risks collapsing into existing opposition outfits. Veteran activists advise the leaders to build grassroots networks and avoid over-reliance on the Gen Z vote, noting that ethnic politics will remain a key determinant in 2027.
2. Daily Nation
The Daily Nation reports on a remarkable human-interest story from Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, where Tanzanian national Selina Paul was finally discharged after spending 17 years in the psychiatric ward. Selina, now 53, had been admitted in March 2008 with schizophrenia and no family contacts, forcing the hospital to care for her long-term. On August 26, she was reunited with her elder brother, Phillipo Paulo Ombae, who revealed the family had last seen her in 2005 before she vanished. Her breakthrough came after recalling her village in Mbulu, Tanzania, leading social workers to trace her relatives. Selina is now set to return home to her eight children and extended family in Dar es Salaam.
3. The Standard
The Standard reveals that President William Ruto’s government has entered into an expensive lobbying deal with a US firm, Continental Strategy LLC, at a time when Kenyans are struggling with harsh economic realities. The Washington-based firm, owned by Trump ally Carlos Trujillo, is set to earn KSh22.7 million monthly, excluding travel and hospitality expenses. The contract, signed on August 6 by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei, automatically renews unless terminated with a 30-day notice. The lobbyists promise access to key US agencies and Congress, ostensibly to boost Ruto’s image abroad amid criticisms over human rights and ties to Sudan’s RSF militia. Critics argue the deal burdens taxpayers indefinitely without parliamentary approval or budget oversight, raising accountability concerns as Kenya’s new Major Non-NATO Ally status comes under scrutiny in Washington.
4. Taifa Leo
Taifa Leo reports on growing tensions between President William Ruto and the other arms of government, following his sharp criticism of MPs over alleged corruption. The president’s remarks—accusing lawmakers of turning committees into “corruption dens”—have sparked an unusual alliance between Parliament and the Judiciary, both vowing to defend their independence from Executive overreach. Legislators, angered by what they see as manipulation of the budget to weaken the Judiciary, threatened to block government-sponsored bills. Judges, on their part, decried funding cuts that have crippled court operations. In Mombasa, MPs and judicial officers pledged to shield each other, while Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged Parliament to improve citizen participation to reduce the nullification of laws. Chief Justice Martha Koome welcomed the new partnership, signaling an end to years of hostility between the two arms.
