Today’s newspapers focus on Kenya’s shifting political alignments, Raila Odinga’s mixed signals, and the uncertainty hanging over ODM’s place in national politics. Beyond politics, issues of land ownership, human rights in policing, and regional developments also dominate the headlines.
The Standard: Playing Ruto
The Standard leads with a bold headline suggesting that Raila Odinga’s shifting political stance has thrown the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into confusion. While Odinga has publicly defended President William Ruto’s policies, he has also hinted at a 2027 presidential run—moves that have baffled ODM supporters and raised questions about whether the party still stands as an opposition outfit.
ODM leaders are split: Junet Mohamed insists that the party remains in a broad-based arrangement with Ruto’s administration until 2027, while critics such as James Gakuya argue that Raila has shut the door on opposition politics by aligning too closely with the government. The paper paints a picture of a party at crossroads, with Raila’s next move expected to determine ODM’s unity and relevance.
The Star: How Raila is plotting for 2027 Race
The Star takes a sharper angle, warning that ODM’s backing of Ruto’s UDA without a formal power-sharing agreement could politically weaken the party. The coverage highlights Raila’s silent plotting for the 2027 presidential race, even as ODM risks being sidelined in government.
Away from politics, the paper focuses on governance and accountability. It reports on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s (IPOA) new Strategic Plan (2025–2030), which seeks to curb police abuse and strengthen human rights monitoring through technology and donor funding. Another striking story is the revelation that a mysterious farmer is occupying 2,000 acres of Egerton University land, raising questions about accountability in public institutions. On the global stage, President Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are pictured at the UN General Assembly, signaling Kenya’s diplomatic engagements.
Taifa Leo: Uhuru Kupanga Washirika
Taifa Leo shifts attention to former Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i, reporting that he could be the man Uhuru Kenyatta is grooming to lead Jubilee into the 2027 general election. Matiang’i’s presence at a high-level Jubilee consultative meeting at Safari Park Hotel adds weight to speculation that he may be entrusted with the party’s presidential ticket. A National Delegates’ Conference scheduled for next week is expected to make key pronouncements.
The Swahili daily also runs stories on global affairs, including Mali and Niger’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and new restrictions at the Kenya Ports Authority, where photography has been banned after a video of a US military plane went viral.
Analysis
Across the three papers, one theme dominates: Kenya’s uncertain political future ahead of 2027. Raila Odinga’s ambiguous posture has unsettled ODM, with fears that the party could lose ground if it continues to back UDA without clear gains. At the same time, Jubilee appears to be reorganizing under Matiang’i, positioning itself for a comeback.
Meanwhile, governance issues such as land mismanagement at universities and police accountability continue to expose institutional weaknesses. Globally, Kenya’s foreign policy presence at the UN and shifting dynamics in West Africa highlight the broader geopolitical landscape.