On Friday, October 16, the Kenyan newspapers revealed that the Matatu Owners Association recommended a 10% fare increase, putting additional pressure on passengers who rely on matatus for daily travel.
The dailies also revealed why President William Ruto and ODM's top brass skipped the late Raila Odinga's first anniversary memorial service.
Source: UGC
1. The Star
President William Ruto and several senior ODM officials were absent from the first anniversary memorial service for Raila Odinga amid disagreements over the party’s cooperation with the government and the event’s protocol arrangements.
Instead of attending the ceremony at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Ruto toured the North Rift region, visiting Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties to launch development projects.
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The Odinga family had reportedly wanted a solemn, non-political gathering, while some ODM leaders allied to the government stayed away amid tensions with critics of the broad-based arrangement.
The invitation of retired president Uhuru Kenyatta as a chief guest also reportedly raised protocol concerns, given Ruto’s presence in the political debate and his recent role in constructing and handing over Raila’s KSh 30 million mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
However, Uhuru failed to attend.
The absence of top party figures comes as ODM remains divided between leaders who support working with Ruto’s administration, including Gladys Wanga, and those critical of the arrangement, such as Senator Edwin Sifuna and Governor James Orengo, who have used the anniversary to challenge Ruto’s re-election ambitions and the current political direction.
2. Daily Nation
Kenyans will pay more for public transport after the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced a 10% fare increase in response to rising fuel prices.
However, competing operators have cautioned that the move could push away passengers already grappling with the high cost of living.
The proposal comes as schools approach the end of term, a period when many families face additional travel costs. Divisions among transport operators have also created uncertainty over whether commuters will have to dig deeper into their pockets for daily trips.
MOA president Albert Karakacha said the association had recommended that members adjust fares upwards to help offset increasing operational expenses following the latest pump price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Super petrol rose by KSh 12.93 to KSh 226.96 per litre, while diesel increased by KSh 9.90 to KSh 227.76. Kerosene recorded the biggest jump, climbing by KSh 28.49 to KSh 219.87 per litre.
“We have advised members to increase fares by 10%,” said Karakacha.
3. The Standard
Several leaders who accompanied Raila Odinga throughout his political journey marked the anniversary of his death with brief messages, while others sent apologies or shared lengthy tributes on social media.
Among those missing was President William Ruto, whose political rise was partly shaped by Raila’s influence, including support that helped him consolidate his government during a period of intense protests.
Ruto was notably absent as he continued his development tour of the North Rift region. He had attended the handover ceremony of Raila’s mausoleum to the family a few days earlier but was in Baringo on the anniversary day.
Retired president Uhuru Kenyatta also skipped the event, despite being listed among Raila’s political allies.
Within ODM, several senior officials were also absent, leaving deputy party leader Simba Arati as the only senior party official in attendance.
Those missing included party chair Gladys Wanga, deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir, Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko, Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa, Busia governor Paul Otuoma, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
4. People Daily
A year after Raila Odinga’s death, Bondo has become a focal point of the struggle over his political legacy and the future of his support base.
The anniversary gathering exposed growing divisions within ODM, with rival factions promoting different political paths ahead of the 2027 General Election.
One camp, comprising Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Siaya governor James Orengo, is pushing to unite opposition leaders.
The group presents the alliance as a platform for political change and a continuation of Raila’s long-standing struggle.
On the other side are ODM leaders backing the party’s cooperation with President Ruto’s broad-based government.
The faction was represented at the memorial by Kisii governor Simba Arati, an ODM deputy party leader, who called for Nyanza to consolidate its political position through the partnership.
5. Taifa Leo
President Ruto has said he hopes to be remembered as a leader who brought Kenyans together through fair development, with infrastructure, agriculture, housing and public services forming key parts of his agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto said his legacy would depend on whether government investment reaches every part of the country, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation. He noted that he wanted all communities to benefit from development and avoid feeling neglected.
“I want development to reach every community so that no region feels forgotten or complains of being sidelined. People should be proud of the progress made during my presidency, and I want to leave behind a record of uniting Kenyans,” he said during one of his speeches in Kalenjin.
He added that he wanted the community to be proud of its contribution to national leadership, even after his term ends.
“I want to preserve the good name of this community so that, in future, when its people seek the presidency, they can do so with confidence, knowing that I served the country well,” Ruto said.
Source: TUKO.co.ke