“Selfish boardroom deal”: Opposition faces turmoil over Gachagua-Kalonzo deal
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
On Thursday, August 20, the national dailies widely reported on the tragic helicopter accident that claimed seven lives in Samburu county.
Some papers also reported on the looming division in the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
1. The Star
A fresh conflict is brewing within Kenya’s opposition coalition following a proposal by Democracy for Change (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka to forge an exclusive two-party alliance before engaging other partners.
The initiative has sparked sharp pushback from coalition figures, who slammed the move as a "selfish boardroom deal."
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni warned that a small group conspiring in secret risks destroying public goodwill.
He accused Gachagua and Kalonzo of attempting to lock out rival presidential hopefuls by deciding on a flagbearer early—potentially restricting other contenders, such as Fred Matiang’i and Edwin Sifuna, to running mate consideration.
Speculation also surrounds plans between DCP and Wiper to zone cosmopolitan areas for fielding candidates. Kioni defended Matiang'i, claiming he has emerged as the most popular candidate in the opposition and Mt. Kenya region, yet faces deliberate attempts to undermine him.
The backlash follows a joint meeting where Gachagua publicly advocated for DCP and Wiper to unite first before opening discussions with other parties.
However, critics like DAP-Kenya Secretary General Eseli Simiyu called the two-party arrangement unfortunate, warning that bypassing wider consultation risks alienating constituent parties and their supporters.
Opponents maintain that any credible coalition deal must reflect the broader political will rather than individual political ambitions.
2. Daily Nation
A helicopter crash in the rugged terrain of Samburu County claimed the lives of seven people, including Ecuador’s intelligence chief, his wife, and four American tourists.
Michele Sensi-Contugi, the 44 year old Director General of Ecuador’s Strategic Intelligence Center (CIES) and a key ally of President Daniel Noboa, perished when a charter flight went down near the foothills of Mount Ololokwe.
The Eurocopter EC130 B4, operated by Lady Lori Helicopters for a luxury safari itinerary, crashed and immediately caught fire shortly after departing the Suyian Conservancy.
Samburu County Police Commander David Nkoroi confirmed the incident on Wednesday morning, noting that response teams had observed thick smoke billowing from the crash site before making their way to the scene to conduct emergency operations.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority separately confirmed the aircraft accident in the region, this one involving a Eurocopter EC130 B4 registered as 5Y-GYM.
According to the Authority, that aircraft had departed from Loisaba and was heading to Ewasonyiro when the accident took place at approximately 0913 hrs local time.
"KCAA is coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident. The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident," the Authority said in a statement.
3. The Standard
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.