馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Kenyan newspapers: Linda Mwananchi movement gains momentum, Gachagua begins 45-day political consultation, and Bitok transferred from Education Ministry
via Tuko6 min read
Kenyan newspapers on Thursday, June 11, focused on the country's budget battle, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and political developments. The Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, is reportedly gaining momentum, attracting figures like former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter. The movement, which started as an ODM-linked reform initiative, is broadening its support beyond traditional ODM strongholds and plans rallies in Mt Kenya. Meanwhile, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has begun a 45-day political consultation at his Wamunyoro residence, aiming to influence the 2027 General Election and identify a single presidential candidate for the opposition. This marks his third such retreat, with previous ones leading to the formation of the Democratic Congress Party. Separately, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok was abruptly transferred to the State Department for Tourism, just hours after a meeting on school unrest. This move has sparked speculation about leadership and accountability within the Ministry of Education, with reports of tensions between Bitok and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and concerns over Bitok's focus on political ambitions. Additionally, opposition leaders unveiled a rival "People's Budget," urging Parliament to reject President Ruto's KSh 4.82 trillion spending plan. Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the United Alternative Government criticized th
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Must ReadA video showing Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna confronting armed police officers during the June 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 has re-emerged online. The footage, filmed outside parliament on June 25, 2024, captures Sifuna approaching officers who were firing at anti-Finance Bill protesters as youths stormed the building. Sifuna, visibly agitated, moved towards the officers and urged them to stop shooting. Security personnel pushed the senator back, but he continued engaging them and advocating for a ceasefire. Fellow political leaders attempted to hold him back, but Sifuna, also a practicing lawyer, refused to retreat. At one point, gunshots were audible nearby, and he flinched but did not withdraw. The clip has circulated anew during Sifuna's homecoming in Bungoma county as he seeks a leading position in Western Kenya politics. Kenyans sharing the video have praised his actions, citing it as evidence of his willingness to stand up for citizens under dangerous conditions, and using it to amplify calls for him to enter the 2027 presidential race. Sifuna's public standing gained momentum following his removal as ODM secretary general, which led to the Linda Mwananchi movement and its slogan, "Mimi ndio Sifuna," drawing thousands of supporters.
Must ReadSharon Otieno's family, speaking from their home in Magare Village, Homa Bay county, discussed the emotional and financial toll following the conviction of former Migori governor Okoth Obado, Caspar Obiero, and Michael Oyamo for her 2018 murder. Sharon's mother, Melida Auma, expressed her anguish, detailing the eight years of court trips to Nairobi that drained the family financially and prevented home development. She also mentioned the ongoing online harassment the family faces, despite the verdict. Sharon's father, Douglas Otieno, recounted the lasting memory of viewing his daughter's body. Sharon, who was 26 and pregnant at the time of her death, left behind three children, now aged 8, 10, and 11, who are being raised by their grandparents. The court found that Obado financed the killing, Oyamo played a central role, and Obiero was involved in concealing the offense, demonstrating a common intention and malice aforethought.
Must ReadPresident William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have launched Social Health Authority SHA medical cover for 7,820 Community Health Promoters CHPs in Nairobi. This initiative makes Nairobi's CHPs the first group of community health workers in Kenya to receive comprehensive SHA coverage. During a meeting at State House, President Ruto and Governor Sakaja presented a cheque to facilitate the registration and payment of SHA premiums for these frontline health workers. President Ruto urged other governors to follow suit, emphasizing the CHPs' role in transforming healthcare by bringing services directly to households and registering millions of Kenyans onto the SHA. He noted that SHA has registered 33 million people, compared to eight million under the previous NHIF, and now pays approximately 12 billion shillings monthly, a significant increase from NHIF's 5.6 billion shillings every three months. Governor Sakaja highlighted that Kenya's Universal Health Coverage reforms are succeeding due to the CHPs, who he described as the backbone of the country's new healthcare model. He cited the Health Service Investment Case 2023, stating that every dollar invested in CHPs yields 14 dollars in return. Sakaja also mentioned Nairobi's comprehensive Nurturing Care Framework for maternal and child health, supporting children from conception through early childhood. He recalled his past efforts as Nairobi Senator to champion the welfare of community health workers, which led to thei