On Tuesday, March 3, local newspapers sustained focus on the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and five others, as a multi-agency team deepened investigations into the tragedy’s cause.
Source: UGC
1. The Standard
As per the paper, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has unveiled a sweeping 20-year master plan to transform Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, but the ambitious blueprint is already stirring fresh controversy over the possible return of India’s Adani Group.
The JKIA Master Plan 2025-2045 outlines a multi-billion shilling upgrade aimed at raising passenger capacity from 7.5 million to 12 million in the first phase, and eventually to 22 million annually.
The redesign, developed with global consultancy Sidara, proposes an X-shaped terminal with four piers, a central processing hall and, crucially, a second full-length runway to ease pressure on the ageing 06/24 runway.
On paper, the plan signals progress. In reality, critics say it mirrors the earlier KSh 258 billion concession that President William Ruto cancelled in November 2024 after public uproar and a High Court challenge.
That scrapped deal would have handed Adani a 30-year operating lease in exchange for building a second runway and a new terminal.
Now, sources claim Adani could re-enter through proxy firms linked to individuals with longstanding ties to the conglomerate.
The allegations have reignited fears of offshore structures and shell companies, concerns previously amplified by a 2023 report from Hindenburg Research.
Politician Tony Gachoka, whose petition helped block the original agreement, insists the cancellation was court-driven, not voluntary.
He argues that any new arrangement must undergo full public participation, warning that the airport is “not for sale.”
In court, KAA admitted it intends to initiate a “fresh process” for redevelopment, potentially with Adani or other partners, a revelation that has only deepened suspicion.
2. The Star
According to the publication, the emerging plan by the Linda Mwananchi faction within ODM to align with key opposition figures is shaping into a bold political gamble that could either cement its national influence or fracture its core base ahead of 2027.
Led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, the faction has in recent months staged high-energy rallies across the country, echoing the street mobilisation style long associated with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Siaya governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi are among the prominent figures driving the movement.
Now, the group is signalling readiness to work with opposition heavyweights, including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, in a bid to build a formidable front against President William Ruto.
Sifuna has framed the next General Election as a referendum on Ruto’s presidency, arguing that unity is the only path to victory, with a target of defeating him by at least five million votes.
However, the proposed alliance is stirring unease within ODM’s traditional support base. Some loyalists remain hostile to leaders who previously clashed with Raila and his supporters.
Critics warn that any perceived drift from Raila’s long-standing political posture could alienate the very voters who fuelled the faction’s rise.
The move also unfolds amid internal ODM tensions, particularly over cooperation talks between sections of the party and Ruto’s UDA.
Allegations of behind-the-scenes influence by former president Uhuru Kenyatta have further deepened suspicion, though claims remain unverified.
3. Daily Nation
According to the daily, tragedy has struck twice for the family of teacher Carlos Robert Kipng’etich Keter, who perished in the helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, just weeks after securing a long-awaited job with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Keter had finally received his TSC appointment letter a month ago after years of waiting and was yet to report for deployment and had not earned his first salary when the chopper went down.
Family members say he was overjoyed by the breakthrough and had begun planning a stable future.
“It is true, after many years of waiting, Keter had secured a job with the TSC. He died before he could taste his first salary,” said John Keter, a relative.
The young teacher, who previously worked at Kaplong Girls High School in Sotik under the board of management, was also preparing to formalise his relationship with the mother of his child.
“He was also in the process of settling down and formalising his relationship with the mother of his daughter,” he added.
Those close to him describe a man eager to settle down and rebuild his life.
In a twist of fate, MP Ng’eno had congratulated Keter days before the crash. The two had once been political rivals ahead of the 2022 General Election, with Keter briefly expressing interest in the parliamentary seat before stepping aside.
They later reconciled and were often seen together at public events.
4. Taifa Leo
The Kiswahili paper reports that the Small Claims Court in Mombasa has dismissed a case filed by Nicholas Ogola, who sought KSh 300,000 from a WhatsApp-based welfare group following the death of his stepmother.
Ogola had sued the Luo Professionals (LUP) Welfare Group, accusing its officials of failing to mobilise members to support him during his bereavement.
He argued that the group, formed to offer financial assistance to members in times of need, was obligated to help cover funeral expenses.
However, the court found that Ogola had not met the group’s constitutional requirements. While the LUP constitution allows support in the event of the death of a parent or guardian, such a beneficiary must have been formally declared in advance.
The court noted that Ogola admitted he had not officially listed his stepmother, Caren Akello Ogola, as a parent or guardian in the group’s records.
“In view of the above, the unavoidable conclusion this court must reach is that the claimant’s case was not proved to the required standard. It is therefore dismissed,” the ruling stated, dismissing the claim.
Ogola maintained that although she was not his biological mother, his stepmother raised him after his mother’s death, stating that he had consistently contributed to other members’ fundraisers and expected similar solidarity.
He even presented a condolence booklet listing him as her child, but official records showed he had previously declared a different individual as his mother.
The group’s treasurer, Morris Abwao, told the court that contributions are voluntary and event-based, not drawn from a standing fund.
He added that not all members contribute at any given time, making the KSh300,000 claim uncertain.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke