On Tuesday, March 25, the local newspapers addressed various subjects, with politics being prominently featured throughout their pages.

A newspaper highlighted potential hurdles that ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i might encounter as he gets ready to officially announce his candidacy for president.

1. People Daily

The newspaper exposed the potential criminal and misdemeanor accusations that former Matiang’i might confront once he announces his run for presidency.

As reported by People Daily, certain officials within the present administration are displeased with the previous Interior Cabinet Secretary’s move to contest President William Ruto’s position in the 2027 election.

Matiang’i’s attempt received support from the Jubilee Party, with party members stating they would back him as their nominee.

Trusted sources informed The People Daily that initially, Matiang’i was expected to confront just five criminal charges during the first six months of 2023. However, this action was delayed following an intervention by prominent local politicians from his home region of Kisii, including ex-Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.

His choice to run for president has infuriated key figures within Ruto’s administration, prompting them to decide to reassess the current charges and potentially bring additional ones.

According to People Daily, 14 charges have already been formulated against Matiang’i.

The severe accusations set to be imposed on the ex-CS encompass the substantial Ruaraka land scam where their name has frequently surfaced negatively, misuse of authority, embezzlement through an intermediary, and defiance of judicial directives, particularly concerning actions at the Immigration Department related to proceedings initiated by self-imposed exile dissident attorney Miguna Miguna, whose travel document was annulled under Matiang’i’s watch.

Other charges include allegations of sexual assaults and molestation involving a youth from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Nairobi Central Church, accusations of money laundering, claims of defrauding KSh 10 billion intended for the unimplemented Huduma Number initiative, incidents of shooting civilians during COVID-19 enforcement activities, extrajudicial killings with subsequent disposal of bodies into rivers such as Yala, Tana River, and Isiolo, along with other locations within Kenya.

The files should be submitted to the courts located in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii, and Mombasa.

2. Taifa Leo

The newspaper highlighted the challenges faced by ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is presently incarcerated at Nairobi Remand and Allocation Prison.

The ex-county leader was found guilty of various offenses including fraud, misuse of authority, and conflicting interests in a KSh 588 million corruption case.

He received a prison sentence of 12 years; his spouse Susan Wangari faced a similar verdict and was given a year behind bars along with the choice to pay a fine of KSh 500,000 instead.

Speaking from prison, Watitu revealed that the experience there had left him traumatised and his dignity corrupted.

He disclosed that he has lost his appetite and several friendships because people avoid visiting him for fear of being asked to lend money.

“I’ve had traumatic experiences during my time here. I’ve lost both my appetite and my self-respect, and very few people visit me since they believe I’ll ask them for money to cover my fine after being sentenced to 12 years in jail,” Daily Nation reported his statement.

Waititu’s attempts to obtain a bond were thwarted by the judicial authorities.

3. Daily Nation

The newspaper covered the continuing procedure for choosing the new head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) along with its commissioners.

A specially chosen committee of nine members appointed by President William Ruto commenced the interviews on Monday, March 24.

The initial group consists of 11 nominees who have been selected for the position of chairperson; they will undergo questioning up till March 26.

Following this, interviews with the 105 candidates shortlisted for the commissioner roles will continue through until late April.

The panel is overseen by Nelson Makanda.

On the opening day of the interviews, the participants included Charles Nyachae, Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Lorot, and Edward Katama.

4. The Standard

The newspaper covered the turmoil that disrupted the FIFA World Cup qualifying game between Kenya and Gabon on Sunday, March 23.

The standout moment from the game occurred when Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was attacked, beaten up, and forced to flee from the stadium, which took place at Nyayo Stadium.

The assailants who attacked Salasya are thought to be supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga, against whom the legislator has previously made derogatory remarks.

So far, no arrests have been made following the incident; the legislator connected the assault to his ongoing criticisms of poor governance.