"We don't have time": Gachagua, Kalonzo to strike power deal ahead of 2027 polls

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

On Friday, August 21, the Kenyan newspapers reported that former DP Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka are set for a retreat to strike a power deal ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The dailies also revealed the final moments of the helicopter that crashed and killed seven tourists in Samburu county.

1. The Star

In an attempt to reach a political agreement, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have caught their opposition counterparts off guard.

According to the publication, the two camps will hold a joint retreat early next month to solidify their agreement ahead of the crucial 2027 General Election.

Kitui senator Enoch Wambua revealed the details of the event.

"The retreat will be for DCP and Wiper, which form the larger Mt Kenya West, Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya South," he said.

Wambua, a close ally of Kalonzo, revealed that discussions at the retreat would be purely "political" rather than "academic."

"The general election is less than a year away. We are running out of time. We must have our lineup," Wambua said.

The anticipated meeting will result in the creation of a working framework between DCP and Wiper, according to Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a close ally of Gachagua.

Senator Dan Manzo of Makueni was direct about the agreement, saying that Kalonzo and his Wiper brigade supported Gachagua at his time of need, impeachment, thus their "strong bond."

2. The Standard

The publication noted that Gachagua announced high-level talks to strengthen the party's alliance with the Wiper Patriotic Front and increase the Mt Kenya's region's influence within the United Opposition.

At the conclusion of a day-long meeting at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri county, Gachagua spoke to high-level delegations of the two parties.

He hinted at their intention to develop a cooperative relationship that would allow them to approach their involvement in the United Opposition business as a single, cohesive formation with two formations representing opposing interests in the negotiation boardrooms.

"As we engage with others, I would like to request a solid cooperation between the two parties.I suggest that Wiper and DCP form a cooperation before we speak with others," he stated.

3. Daily Nation

Local tour guides and porters who witnessed the final moments of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Samburu, killing seven tourists, said the aircraft had circled the rocky Mt Ololokwe summit several times before landing at a site popular with tourists.

Raphael Lekambayo, a tour guide based in Kirish village, said colleagues who were at the summit told him the visitors were taking photos of the scenery when the helicopter lost control.

"At the time, the aircraft was hovering near the edge of the cliff. When they realised something was wrong, some of the passengers threw out their phones, which were later collected by the guides," Lekambayo said.

"The chopper’s rear propellers appear to have hit the edge of the cliff, leading to the fatal fall," he disclosed.

For those watching from the ground, the incident unfolded in a matter of moments. Peterson Leadekei, one of the first people to respond, said he and others had seen the helicopter circling the mountain before it suddenly crashed.

"We were close to the site and watched the helicopter circle before landing safely. Moments later, we saw it crash,” he recalled.

4. People Daily

President William Ruto has taken steps to centralise information management in the face of political unrest, an online uprising, and a disjointed government communication system.

The president created the National Crisis Communication Standing Committee (NCCSC) in reaction to what the State House characterises as pervasive disinformation and a tarnished public image.

Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, activated the recently established agency with a single, clear goal: to serve as the ultimate "clearing house" for all official narratives and methodically mend the administration's damaged relationship with the Kenyan people.

The decision is in accordance with structural administrative orders that require all communications from corporations, ministries, and state departments (MDAs) to pass via Koskei's office.

5. Taifa Leo

Despite threats, Gachagua has promised to visit the Emurua Dikirr constituency in Narok on Friday, August 21.

The DCP leader announced that he will be visiting the area to express gratitude to locals and raise awareness of the "failure" by the government to protect their land rights.

He also cited the recent Emurua Dikirr by-election, where the government-backed David Keter garnered 18,266 votes, while DCP contender Vincent Rotich received 10,760.

Gachagua has been cautioned by Keter and Narok deputy governor Tamalinye Koech not to enter the constituency.

However, according to Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, the DCP leader is free to travel the area, but "he should not expect the visits to translate into votes".

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.