Raila Odinga's Bid for AU Top Seat Uncertain as Ruto Dillydallies in Submitting His Name
On Monday, July 1, the national dailies widely reported on the alleged abduction of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter.
Top stories in newspapers today. Photo: Daily Nation/ The Standard Newspapers. Source: UGC
The dailies also reported on the obstacles facing Raila Odinga's candidature for the African Union Commision's top seat.
1. Daily Nation
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) is in limbo ahead of the elections in February next year.
Some issues remain to be sorted out despite President William Ruto agreeing to support Raila’s bid.
It has emerged that Kenya is yet to submit Raila’s candidacy as promised, further lifting the lid on the confusion now surrounding his bid.
Whereas Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced that Kenya would submit its candidacy for the position by June 30 during a joint briefing with Odinga in early June, this is not the case.
According to sources, Raila's application was not submitted because there is still no consensus on what to submit.
The latest development comes as the former prime minister renews his attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration regarding the killing of anti-Finance Bill 2024 protesters.
2. The Standard
The paper reported on the National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah's decision to drop the controversial Land Laws (Amendment Bill 2023).
Ichung'wah wrote to Speaker Moses Wetangula to drop the bill that sought to impose land rent on freehold land owners and property owners who enjoy free ownership.
In a letter dated June 13, Ichung’wah says the bill raises a myriad of constitutional and legal issues, and "no further consideration of the Bill should be undertaken."
The move comes days after President William Ruto dropped the controversial Finance Bill 2024 following widespread demonstrations.
"During the meeting of the House Business Committee, I had notified the Committee not to prioritize the consideration of the Bill to allow for consultations with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and the National Land Commission," it reads.
3. Taifa Leo
The Swahili publication reported on the alleged abduction of former Nandi Hills lawmaker Alfred Keter.
Keter was, on Sunday, June 30, abducted in Nairobi's Kileleshwa area by unknown people in a video that has since gone viral online amid uproar over increased incidents of abductions.
Keter was in the company of his wife and children when their car, a Land Cruiser V8, was blocked by a Ford Ranger double-cabin along Nyeri Road by people believed to be police officers
The former MP was then forcefully pulled out of his car as members of the public watched on, with some screaming as Keter resisted the abduction.
4. The Star
President William Ruto ruled out the possibility of the country going to an election because of the current crisis emerging from the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.
During a roundtable with the media at State House Nairobi, Ruto said the Constitution does not state that the country should go to an election in the wake of such a crisis.
“There is no provision for an election. Whatever we do, we must keep it within the parameters of the rule of law. We will be marching towards anarchy," the president said.
The head of state added that the events of the last two weeks cannot justify disregarding the Constitution.
After dropping the contentious Finance Bill 2024, Ruto assured that he would not be reckless in handling the country’s current situation.