Politics

Uhuru, who has kept a low profile since January, was accompanied by former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, ex-DCI boss George Kinoti, and former Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju.

The CS has been vocal about his concerns regarding the government’s handling of abductions and extrajudicial killings.

The legal battles between the two factions have been ongoing for over a year, with multiple court rulings favouring Kenyatta's leadership.

Several political observers have however registered pessimism in Odinga’s pact with Ruto as an avenue to ending political injustices and ensuring economic prosperity.

The MCAs are also pushing for the immediate implementation of the Ward Development Fund, urging lawmakers to expedite the passage of the necessary legislation.

The elections will take place between 10 am and 2 pm and will be conducted either through consensus or a show of hands.

Despite the endorsements and growing speculation, Matiang’i has maintained a low profile since leaving office and has not publicly declared his presidential ambitions.

Omtatah urged the public and Parliament to push for the full implementation of Kenya's Constitution, ensuring that governance stays within the bounds of the law and serves the people's interests.

Meru leaders have urged Governor Mutuma to unite the county which has been marred by political strife since Mwangaza’s election in 2022.

They emphasised the importance of civic engagement, arguing that political representation begins with voter registration and active participation in national affairs.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the same man who once led protests against President William Ruto is now dismissing the very cause he championed.

Gachagua had previously extended an olive branch to Raila, expressing willingness to work together in a political alliance. However, Raila has continued to emphasise the need for unity and peace in the country rather than focusing on the 2027 elections.

Many counties have seen strained relationships between governors and their deputies, with some deputies being left out of county affairs.

With the event scheduled to take place at an open public venue, residents and stakeholders are expected to attend as the county ushers in new leadership.

Mwangaza, also the bishop of Baite Family Fellowship Church, chose Mutuma as her running mate after "extensive prayer and consultations".

Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia may now become the new governor.

Some political analysts have interpreted his recent criticism of the government as an exit strategy, while others speculate that he may align himself with Gachagua.

Odinga said the implementation of the NADCO report would address the problems facing the country.

The CS said he should instead be commended for upholding the government accountable.

The party cited political developments that have made its stay in the coalition untenable.

They argued that increasing funding to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs will facilitate voter registration, mobile consular services and additional polling centres.

"Some people are making noise, claiming that I have abandoned them and joined Ruto. But since I was born, I have fought for Kenyans’ rights, and my stand has not changed," he added.

The upcoming elections mark the second phase of the party's efforts to solidify its grassroots structures, having already completed elections in five counties.

In September 2024, High Court Judge Janet Mulwa ruled that the expulsion of Kenyatta’s allies was unlawful.

Video footage from the event captured the scenes of discontent, marking an unusual reaction in a region that has historically supported Odinga.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Friday, March 7.

The two signed an agreement to work under the broad-based government arrangement in which they outlined their areas of cooperation.

The ODM Party leader clarified that the agreement was strictly between ODM and UDA, not the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

For the 20 departmental committees, nomination papers must be submitted to the Director's Office at Bunge Tower by Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 5 pm.

Odinga’s political opponents have, however, opposed his cooperation moves, terming them selfish.

Osoro emphasised that ODM members have already been working informally within the government, and this agreement aims to formalise this arrangement.

The supporters want the cooperation to focus on service delivery to the citizenry rather than the distribution of positions for leaders who recently joined the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The senator argued that President Ruto currently relies on Odinga's political clout to sustain his grip on power, making the former Prime Minister a crucial figure in his administration.

Raila's move is intended to calm an uneasy storm ignited by differences over whether the party should support and work closely with President William Ruto, including supporting his reelection bid.

Gachagua's remarks come amid growing speculation about his political future and recent overtures to opposition figures.

ODM officials said the ongoing consultations would culminate in a comprehensive position paper that will guide the party’s future political direction.

Siaya Governor James Orengo dismissed suggestions that ODM should join other opposition parties, insisting that it remains a dominant force.

Gachagua said the recent failed bid by Raila to capture the African Union Commission Chairperson seat was a ploy by Ruto to keep the veteran politician from active politics.

Gachagua had moved to the appellate court, contesting the authority of Justice Mwilu to appoint a three-judge bench to hear over 40 cases related to his impeachment.

The former Deputy President claimed the election of Ruto was the biggest fraud ever done to the people of Kenya since independence.

Trump cut U.S. financial assistance to South Africa in an executive order this month, citing disapproval of its approach to land reform and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Washington's close ally.

Registrar Anne Nderitu in a notice on Wednesday confirmed that no political parties have entered into mergers or been dissolved during this period.

Gachagua added that he wants to mentor this generation, blending his experience with their energy, creativity, and knowledge to create a strong leadership combination.

The parties that have left the coalition include the People's Liberation Party (formerly Narc Kenya), Maendeleo Chap Chap party, United Democratic Movement (UDM), Devolution Empowerment Party, and Pamoja African Alliance (PAA).

Members from the joint Justice and Legal Affairs Committees of the National Assembly and the Senate argued that the move would undermine democracy, hand excessive power to party leaders, and strip elected officials of their independence.

Gachagua's allies dismissed the elections as a predetermined process.

"As the prime minister has said, there will be wide consultations across the political divide as we work towards the unity of our country and progress of Kenya," Ruto said.

Aladwa alleged that Sifuna is being used by Rigathi Gachagua to undermine ODM’s position and discredit the broad-based government.

Political observers had suggested that Ruto’s support for Raila was part of a broader strategy to ease him out of the local political scene while also appeasing his support bases in anticipation of securing their backing in the future

Belgut MP Nelson Koech said Odinga’s experience and political acumen should not go unutilised.

Gachagua maintained that the outcome of the AU race did not diminish Raila’s leadership or his ability to contribute to Kenya’s progress.

He argued that the core issue should not be who the majority is, but rather who the minority is in the current political landscape.

Legal and constitutional experts have, however, raised concerns over Wetang’ula’s decision to declare Kenya Kwanza as the majority side despite a High Court ruling that stripped the ruling party of its status.

Among those affected is Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who has been ousted as chairperson of the Senate Roads and Transport Committee.

Elections in the remaining counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River will be held on April 12.

He explained that despite any ideological differences with Governor Johnson Sakaja, his main concern is ensuring that Nairobi residents get the services they deserve.

The lawmaker expressed disappointment that UDA had misled Kenyans with promises of economic empowerment, financial relief and fair returns for farmers, only to deliver the complete opposite.

In a letter, lawyer Kibe Mungai said the court had already determined that the question of the majority party was settled by Kenyan voters in the August 9, 2024 general elections.

The opposition has questioned why the Jubilee Party is now being recognised as part of Azimio, despite Wetang'ula's earlier ruling stating that the party had defected to Kenya Kwanza.

The party said it was unacceptable for farmers to be abandoned at a critical time despite government efforts to boost production through subsidies.

The party's chairperson Gladys Wanga said Raila only asked leaders in Nairobi to work under Sakaja for now, and that has nothing to do with the 2027 election contest.

The Speaker is expected to issue formal communication on the court ruling before the House can proceed with its business.

Kirinyaga's Jane Njeri has been ranked the most popular Woman Representative in 2024, according to the Infotrak survey, with a score of 52 per cent.

Senior ODM Party officials led by chairperson Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP who is also the Nairobi chairperson George Aladwa praised Sakaja for working closely with the Orange party.

Some leaders opposed to the broad-based government launched scathing attacks at their counterparts who have in the past criticised ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

The lawmakers argue that the ruling is impractical given the fluid nature of political alliances and should be addressed within Parliament.

The demolitions followed a directive by President William Ruto in April 2024 after heavy rains caused widespread destruction and deaths along the Nairobi rivers.

Following the decision, ANC ratified the transfer of all its assets and liabilities to UDA, effectively dissolving the party into the ruling outfit.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina supported the proposal, saying the Senate is committed to strengthening devolution by ensuring counties receive adequate funding.

The judges emphasised that the Speaker, as an ex-officio Member of Parliament, must maintain neutrality.

Court says Speaker Wetang’ula violated the Constitution by declaring Kenya Kwanza the majority in the National Assembly in 2022.

The former DP disclosed that the deal, signed before the 2022 elections, was witnessed by current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.

His remarks come weeks after Deputy President Kindiki also addressed their relationship, insisting that nothing has changed between them.

Gachagua also questioned President Ruto's international stance on peace, particularly in the DR Congo, contrasting it with the situation at home.

Gachagua dismissed fears over being barred from participating in future elections, asserting that he had no obligation to vie for any seat.

Gachagua has been holding a series of meetings at his Wamunyoro home, bringing together political leaders, religious figures, and opinion shapers to discuss Kenya’s political future. He has vowed to continue engaging with leaders from different regions to explore solutions to the country’s challenges.

The name change is part of a broader strategy by Karua and PLP to resonate more with young voters, particularly the Gen Z demographic.

The Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu, has warned that the proposed change is “fundamentally flawed” and could disrupt the effective regulation and operations of political parties.

Her remarks sparked mixed reactions from fellow lawmakers on the panel, including Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, who refuted Wamuchomba’s claims.

Kimani alleged that despite being promised Sh250,000 for the assignment, she only received Sh50,000, a fraction of the agreed amount.

Prof Oloo was in the team that brokered a truce between President Ruto and the ODM leader, leading to opposition politicians joining the Kenya Kwanza Cabinet.

The new panel will be responsible for overseeing the recruitment of nominees for the positions of chairperson and commissioners of the IEBC.

Karua also criticised the President for what she termed as a disregard for the Constitution he swore to protect.

“There is even a bigger scheme to dismantle the Supreme Court ahead of 2027 elections. A budget has been set aside through NIS and all those petitions you are seeing against Martha Koome, and judges of the Supreme Court, are the machinations of the state.”

He dismissed accusations of sycophancy, saying critics would eventually be judged by their actions.

UDA members and the general public now have seven days, until January 30, 2025, to submit written objections or comments on the change, as outlined in a gazette notice published on January 23, 2025.

Adding to the controversy is the government's lack of clarity on the budget allocated for the AUC campaign.

Despite the NEC's decision, Gachagua's removal won't happen until the Registrar of Political Parties ratifies the resolution.