Recent local newspapers have highlighted significant political developments, focusing on former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's efforts to challenge President William Ruto by uniting past rivals and supporters. However, Gachagua is also facing defections from key political allies in the Mt Kenya region, weakening his 2027 strategy. Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu publicly left Gachagua’s camp, stating his role ended after Gachagua's impeachment in October 2024. Wambugu criticized Gachagua’s plan to launch a regional party, calling it dictatorial. Several other MPs, including Mary Wamaua, Peter Kihungi, Eric Muchangi, Njoki Njeru, and Wainaina Chieni, have aligned with President William Ruto.

Kandara MP Chege Njuguna and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba, previously vocal Gachagua supporters, have also distanced themselves. Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi and his wife Betty Maina, once seen as Gachagua's political "children," voted for his impeachment and became critics. Wambugu noted that public anger following Gachagua’s impeachment has faded, with people becoming more receptive to government leaders. Kihungi explained his decision to join Ruto, stating it's difficult to deliver development while opposing the government, urging Gachagua and Ruto to reconcile.

In response to Gachagua’s resignation, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted it, describing him as a divisive and toxic political figure. UDA criticized Gachagua for alleged incompetence, failure to deliver on his constitutional mandate and the Kenya Kwanza agenda, promoting tribalism, and undermining national unity. The party linked Gachagua’s resignation to his failure to execute key components of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, citing this as a reason for his impeachment. UDA accused Gachagua of being the worst tribal bigot to hold high office, offending the principles of The Plan with his exclusionary politics.

Meanwhile, the family of Sheila Nyamokami Mokaya, a 32-year-old teacher killed with her five-year-old daughter in Lamu county, revealed they had warned her about her relationship with a GSU officer who shot them dead before killing himself. Relatives said Sheila intended to formally introduce the officer, Moses Makira Ayoga, as her fiancé in December. Her mother clarified that Ayoga was not Sheila’s husband but merely a boyfriend unknown to the family, advising her to understand the man’s character before proceeding.

In other news, President William Ruto’s grand vision for Kenya is at risk due to the country’s public debt, with KSh1.901 trillion allocated for debt repayments in the next financial year, about 57% of the projected revenue. This leaves only KSh43 for essential expenses, limiting funds for transformative projects. Economists warn that Kenya could face financial distress without significant changes, evidenced by delayed payments to counties and unpaid contractors.

Lastly, two people died in Trans Nzoia county after consuming illicit alcohol. Ronald Wekhomba was killed with a machete while drinking at an alcohol den, attacked by Wanjala Chekonde over money from the sale of Wekhomba’s land. Chekonde was beaten to death by local residents, sparking outrage and calls for action against illegal brewers and corrupt law enforcement officers.