On Thursday, October 23, local newspapers reported on Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga's remarks that sparked outrage after it was seen as celebrating the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
1. Daily Nation
According to the paper, several national activities have been planned to honour former prime minister Raila Odinga, who died in India and was buried in Bondo, Siaya county.
The national funeral committee, which oversaw his State burial, is expected to hold a final meeting after the seven-day mourning period to finalise tributes.
Among the proposed activities are a national concert, a monument in his honour, and the renaming of public institutions to preserve his legacy.
Sources indicate that a national concert titled “Raila Legacy Commemoration Festival: A Legacy That Lives On” will be held at Uhuru Park on October 31.
The all-day event will bring together leaders, artists, and citizens to celebrate Raila’s ideals of unity, peace, and democracy through music, art, and cultural performances.
The organisers describe it as a day of gratitude rather than mourning, meant to honour a man who dedicated his life to public service.
The committee is also exploring the construction of a monument in Nairobi, with consultations ongoing with the Nairobi County Government to determine an appropriate location.
In addition, discussions are underway to name a national facility after Odinga to serve as a lasting reminder of his contribution to the nation.
During Odinga’s funeral service in Bondo, ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga appealed to President William Ruto to rename the under-construction Talanta Stadium in Nairobi as the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has written to the Ministry of Education proposing that the Technical University of Kenya be renamed the Raila Odinga Technical University to recognise his contributions to education and engineering.
The funeral committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya senator Oburu Odinga, has temporarily suspended its meetings to give the family time to mourn.
2. The Star
The paper reports that the family of Lucy Okech, who was shot dead by a police officer in Homa Bay town, is demanding justice amid delays in investigations.
Okech was killed at the gate of the Homa Bay Police Station, where mourners were lighting candles to honour the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
According to the family, the officer who allegedly pulled the trigger was arrested but has yet to appear in court to face charges.
They accused the police of dragging their feet in the investigation, terming it a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
The deceased’s parents, Joakim and Consolata Okech, said they had received calls from individuals close to the suspect asking for forgiveness, but they insisted that only justice would bring them peace.
Speaking to journalists, the family urged the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take over the case, citing fears of interference from powerful individuals.
Joakim said his daughter was an innocent passerby heading home when the officer allegedly shot her without provocation.
He expressed fears that local police might compromise the case if not closely monitored.
3. The Standard
As per the daily, President William Ruto is reportedly seeking to consolidate control over former ODM leader Raila Odinga’s traditional support base, with plans to reconstitute his government to reflect new political realities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources indicate that Ruto aims to eliminate internal resistance within ODM while expanding his coalition by bringing in leaders from Rift Valley, Lower Eastern, and Western Kenya.
During Raila’s burial in Bondo, Ruto declared that he would not allow anyone to destroy ODM, a remark that fueled speculation he might be plotting a takeover or merger with his UDA party to form a dominant political alliance.
Insiders say Cabinet changes could be announced soon, targeting individuals who depended on Raila’s political goodwill for survival.
Three days before his death, Raila reportedly told a friend that he planned to discuss government changes with Ruto upon returning from India.
This has strengthened speculation that both leaders had agreed on a broader government reshuffle.
Analysts like Kenneth Ombongi believe Ruto’s moves are part of a strategy to expand his political base by co-opting more allies.
The president recently invited KANU to join the government, signalling his push for a broader alliance.
He may also appoint leaders from Kalonzo Musyoka’s Ukambani region and even consider giving Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, a Cabinet post.
Former MP Ayub Savula suggested Ruto could soon dominate ODM operations, possibly even funding its upcoming anniversary celebrations.
However, leaders such as Siaya governor James Orengo have warned against dismantling political parties, saying it risks returning Kenya to single-party rule.
4. Taifa Leo
The Swahili daily reports that a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest has been postponed after Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump said he would not “waste his time” on talks without meaningful outcomes.
A senior Washington official confirmed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, that the meeting was on hold after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov failed to reach a deal on ending the war.
Trump later reiterated that peace was urgent, noting that both nations continued to suffer heavy casualties.
Moscow, however, maintained that preparations for the meeting were ongoing but admitted key issues still needed resolution.
European leaders from Germany, the UK, France, and the European Union, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, issued a joint statement supporting Trump’s ceasefire demand.
They are expected to meet in London for an EU summit to discuss further aid for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, at least six people were killed and 21 others injured in Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying they showed Moscow was not under enough pressure to stop its aggression.
In response, Ukraine launched a counterattack using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike a Russian chemical plant in the Bryansk region.
Military officials said the facility, which manufactures explosives and missile components, was successfully hit after the strike penetrated Russia’s air defence system.