President Matiang'i?; delayed KCSE results; Gaitho wanted
Fred Matiang'i's UPA is expanding nationally with an eye on 2027. Meanwhile, Education PS says KCSE results are on track despite concerns, and blogger Francis Gaitho faces DCI arrest over cybercrime allegations. All this and more in today's edition!
Kenfrey Kiberenge,
Newsletters editor
THE BIG TAKE
Fred Matiang'i's political ambitions are gathering pace. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is rebranding itself to shed its tribal image and adopt a national outlook. Party leader Amos Nyaribo announced plans to give key positions to leaders from different regions and open 26 new offices nationwide by mid-2025 (read: Night of long knives: Fred Matiang’i under police siege). The UPA's 2023 leadership reshuffle saw Abagusii community leaders take centre stage. Nyaribo insists the party is ready to challenge Kenya's political landscape, with Matiang'i as its likely 2027 presidential candidate. Matiang'i's recent public engagements hint at his return to active politics.
The Ministry of Education has reassured Kenyans that the 2024 KCSE results will be released on time, sticking to the January timeline set in 2023. Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang dismissed claims of delays or manipulation of results, attributing the timeline to thorough analysis and a larger candidate pool. KNEC is also reviewing Grade 6 KPSEA results ahead of the junior school transition in 2025. Stakeholders, including Kessha, emphasised the integrity of the marking process and proposed reforms to curb malpractice and eliminate pressure to rank. The ministry assured parents and students of credible results that reflected four years of effort.
The DCI is pursuing blogger and government critic Francis Gaitho for skipping court after he was charged with publishing false information in 2024. Gaitho, who is also accused of cyber harassment and leaking personal information, plans to surrender to the DCI with his lawyers on January 7, 2025 (read: 'Mistaken identity': Police free journalist Macharia Gaitho after violent arrest). He claims political persecution and defends his criticism as free speech while questioning the focus on him over alleged government excesses (Read: Macharia Gaitho: Abduction traumatised my children, 95-year-old mother). Online opinion is divided, with some calling for his prosecution and others seeing him as a victim of repression. Gaitho urges media coverage to ensure transparency during his surrender.
Quick hits
COUNTY ROUNDUP
Today's newspapers
The Daily Nation leads with 'Where are they?'. Business Daily leads with 'How Starlink Kenya entry led to faster data speeds' Taifa Leo leads with 'MATIANG'I AANZA KUJIPANGA'.
Cartoon of the day
VIDEO OF THE DAY
Lawyer John Khaminwa: Abduction cases should go to ICC because Kenyan police are suspects
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