On Thursday, July 28, Kenyan newspapers reported extensively on the vigorous campaigns by the considered top presidential candidates, Raila Odinga and William Ruto, with less than a fortnight remaining to the polls.
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Kenyan Newspapers Review For July 28 2022
The papers also reported on the preparation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct a free and fair election.
- The Standard
The daily reported that with only 11 days remaining to the General Election, President Uhuru Kenyata is keen on influencing the Rift Valley region, a perceived stronghold of his deputy William Ruto.
On Tuesday, July 26 at night, the president met over 200 opinion leaders and elders from the Kalenjin community across the Rift Valley counties at State House Nakuru in a bid to woo them to support his preferred successor, Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Only invited guests were allowed to the meeting. Sources from the meeting intimated to the publication that Uhuru told the elders why he fell out with Ruto, saying he started calling him names and boasting of how he’ll be president in 2022.
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The source said the president wanted them to assure him that they would reject Ruto and vote for Raila. The president also asked the elders to campaign for Raila at the grassroots.
Uhuru also sent the elders to the community asking for forgiveness if he had wronged them, saying he had nothing against the community when he ditched Ruto for Raila.
- Daily Nation
Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina resumed his duties following a court order reinstating him.
At the same time, the High Court allowed the Law Society of Kenya to start contempt processing against the Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua and the university’s council over the land dispute that led to the VC’s suspension.
The VC was kicked out of office after the government accused him of blocking the annexation of the university’s land for the setting up of a World Health Organisation (WHO) facility.
- The Star
The publication reported that the IEBC decision to bar former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko from contesting in Mombasa will lead to huge voter apathy, an opinion poll has shown.
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A poll carried out by Research and Governance Professional Organisation between July 19 and 23 reveals that most Mombasa residents are bitter about the decision to bar Sonko.
The research shows the majority of Sonko’s supporters will vote for former senator Hassan Omar in rebellion against the current administration. The five-day research targeted 6,000 respondents from six constituencies of Mombasa.
RGPO placed Omar (UDA) at the top with 51.8%, Abdulswamad Nassir (ODM) at 32.6% and William Kingi (PAA) at 4.2%.
- People Daily
The daily reported that established political names have been given a lifeline after key coalitions and parties proposed them for nomination to the Senate.
A list published on Wednesday, July 27, shows the parties sought to reward loyalty, party officials and individuals who stepped down from various contests in favour of rivals.
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Those proposed by the running Jubilee Party include President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sister Kristina Pratt, Senate Deputy Speaker Margaret Kamar and Nairobi governor Anne Kananu.
ODM has nominated John Mbadi, Irene Mayaka, Harold Kipchumba, among others. UDA has nominated Bishop Jackson Kosgei, Teresia Mwangi, Charles Kanyi, Cate Waruguru, among others.
- Taifa Leo
The newspaper reported that Kenyans across the country are still buying flour at the initial KSh 230 price despite a directive by Uhuru ordering the commodity’s cost to be slashed. A research done by the publication also established that Unga has started being unavailable on shelves.
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Owing to the pangs of the high cost of living, the president, after deliberations with millers and other stakeholders, ordered that a 2kg packet of maize flour should now retail at KSh 100. R