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On Sunday, January 4, regional newspapers highlighted changing political partnerships, reporting on how a unified opposition is adjusting its approach to challenge President William Ruto’s government and prepare for the 2027 General Election.

1. Sunday Nation

As per the report, the United Opposition is adjusting its political approach, emphasizing early efforts on cohesion, clear policies, and institutional conflicts as itaims to present a valid competitionto President William Ruto prior to the 2027 National Election.

As opposition leaders become more certain that 2026 will be a critical year, the coalition is shifting from protest-based politics to a well-organized, multi-faceted strategy focused on early unity, controlled communication, and a distinct vision for leadership.

The approach is partially a reaction to Ruto’s ongoing assertions thathis detractors have no concepts other than catchphrases, a charge that opposition figures now seem eager to neutralize.

Sources indicate that the opposition intends to expand its alliance, announce a unified presidential candidate at an early stage, and conduct synchronized legal actions against what they perceive as excessive executive power.

These initiatives will be supported by widespread local activism and thorough examination of public expenditure, utilizing reports from the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget to point out supposed wastefulness and misconduct.

At the core of the strategy is the conviction that unity must not be delayed, as leaders worry that postponed discussions, which have previously weakened opposition groups, wouldpass the current holder a competitive edge.

“This is not a lavish concept. It is a crucial one to unite the whole opposition under a single banner,” an insider mentioned.

Discussions are taking place regarding a potential high-level meeting in early 2026 aimed at bringing together important opposition figures, including those not part of the official coalition, to establish common guidelines for interaction and a unified plan.

Prominent opposition figures, including former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Democratic Party head Justin Muturi, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, maintain that the coalition will not let Ruto set its direction.

“William Ruto cannot tell us how to remove him from power, and we will not let him dictate our plans. He would be pleased if we had no plan, if we were lost and lacked intelligence,” Gachagua stated.

They claim that the public’s dissatisfaction with rising living expenses, taxes, debt, and joblessness needs to be transformed into a clear policy solution, rather than remaining merely as political outrage.

The opposition’s growing story portrays the Ruto government as economically strict and institutionally damaging, while pledging a focus on the people that highlights economic hardship in markets, hospitals, and villages instead of broad economic figures.

2. The Sunday Standard

As per the report, a heated lunchtime meeting between Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino at a luxurious Nairobi eatery almost resulted in a violent confrontation.

The report states that the event took place at Cedars Lebanese Restaurant in Kilimani, where the two political figures arrived individually and coincidentally met.

Witnesses reported that Babu was having a private lunch with another individual when Alai arrived, spotted him, and immediately went to his table.

A source from the restaurant revealed to the daily that the conversation rapidly turned into a loud argument, with Alai alleging that Babu was behind online attacks on his wife conducted by the vocal online activist Maverick Aoko.

Recently, Aoko has shared a number of critical and personal comments on X targeting Alai’s partner, escalating the MCA’s frustration.

The document mentioned that Babu, as per a witness, refuted the allegations, maintaining he was unaware of Alai’s wife.

“Owino, in his defense, stated he is not personally acquainted with Alai’s wife and has no motive to defame her,” the witness sitting at the bar mentioned to the newspaper.

What started as a verbal argument quickly became alarming, with witnesses claiming that an angry Alai pulled out a gun, loaded it, and aimed it at Babu, trying to fire it multiple times.

“Fortunately, the gun was not correctly cocked and became jammed. At that moment, a senior police officer who was having lunch at the same bar took immediate action and managed to take the gun away from Alai,” the paper cited the source as saying.

The officer, later recognized as Mohamed Amin Shurie, who leads the financial crimes division at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), is said to have entered quickly, overpowered Alai, and taken his weapon away.

Alai, shaken, quickly left the restaurant after being disarmed, while Babuo also departed soon after regaining his composure.

At the time of the release, attempts to contact Alai for a response were unsuccessful, as Babu’s attorney informed the newspaper he would speak with him and provide a statement, but no such statement had been issued.

3. Taifa Jumapili

As per the Swahili newspaper,Kenya is grieving the passing of Craig, one of the final major tuskers in Africa and a representation of effective wildlife preservation.

The legendary elephant, known for his massive tusks each weighing over 45 kilograms, passed away at the age of 54 in Amboseli National Park, Kajiado County.

Born in January 1972, Craig was the son of the renowned matriarch Cassandra from the CB family, and he spent over half a century traveling through Amboseli.

For many years, he has become one of the park’s most well-known sights, respected by visitors and environmentalists due to his large tusks and remarkably peaceful nature.

The Kenya Wildlife Service referred to him as a kind-hearted giant who appeared to understand his role in the world, frequently stopping calmly while tourists took pictures of him.

In 2021, Craig’s worldwide recognition led to his adoption by East African Breweries Limited under the Tusker brand, reinforcing his position as a national symbol and conservation representative.

KWS verified that Craig sired multiple calves, preserving his robust lineage and characteristics within the Amboseli environment.

The assistant director of Amboseli National Park, Paul Wambi, stated that Craig became unwell two weeks prior to his passing and was identified as having acute constipation along with age-related issues. He received continuous veterinary attention until the time of his death.