Politics

The leaders accused the President of shifting blame to former President Uhuru Kenyatta instead of addressing concerns over the high cost of living, unemployment, healthcare, education and constitutional freedoms.

The coalition said the decision followed consultations among its partners, adding that the move is aimed at strengthening unity and improving electoral performance in the upcoming contest.

Nine candidates have already been cleared to contest the Ol-Kalou parliamentary by-election after the IEBC officially issued them with nomination clearance certificates last week.

Wanjigi noted that persistent political competition had contributed to a situation where national issues are often overshadowed by personality-based politics, leaving key challenges insufficiently addressed.

Oburu said he would not hold onto leadership if it became a source of division.

The faction is set to take its consultative rally to Thika as it seeks to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders said Omar's comments had reignited discussion on unresolved land ownership disputes that have affected communities in the region for generations.

President William Ruto says he is ready to accept any outcome in the 2027 General Election, promising peaceful, free and fair polls amid rising political tension and claims of possible vote rigging.

The Jubilee Party is now seeking conservatory orders to temporarily stop any allocation, appropriation or release of funds to the Political Parties Fund until the case is heard and determined.

Oburu Oginga has revealed that former Catholic Archbishop of Kisumu, Zacheus Okoth, is leading talks between him and Siaya Governor James Orengo, a self-declared leader of the Orange party in the Linda Mwanachi faction.

The legislators issued a 48-hour ultimatum, saying Omar’s apology and clarification were not sufficient and insisting that he must step down.

UDA claimed Ruto’s victory in 2022 went against Uhuru’s wishes and political plans, arguing that the former Head of State should accept the outcome and respect constitutional democracy.

They cited cases in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda as the most concerning examples of what they described as systematic abuse of judicial processes against opposition figures.

ODM ramps up grassroots mobilisation in Nyanza as Oburu Oginga defends zoning talks with UDA, insisting nominations will remain open and fair ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gachagua warns that any lapse in President Ruto’s protection could destabilise the country, urging tighter security measures and reforms within the Interior Ministry.

Uhuru said his role is not about returning to active politics but about ensuring order within the party as new leaders take over.

Western Kenya leaders have intensified pressure for the Deputy President slot in Ruto’s 2027 coalition strategy, sharpening early succession negotiations within Kenya Kwanza.

Muturi has accused UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar of making inflammatory remarks targeting the Mt Kenya region, warning President William Ruto to take decisive action to curb rising ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy has attracted criticism from both government and opposition leaders, who argue that such rhetoric risks fuelling ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to Professor Macharia Munene, a specialist in Diplomacy, Geopolitics and Foreign Relations at the HORN Institute, Kindiki has much to prove to establish himself as Mt. Kenya’s favourite.

CS Mbadi challenged Matiang’i to highlight any contentious provisions in the Finance Bill 2026 instead of calling on Kenyans to reject the entire legislation.

ODM has called aspirants from four Nyanza counties to a consultative meeting in Kisumu as it intensifies preparations and rolls out its 2027 election nomination roadmap.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i criticises government over economic mismanagement and rising insecurity, while urging Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026, which he says will worsen the cost of living.

Jubilee Party accuses the government of deflecting blame for the worsening economy onto former President Uhuru Kenyatta, as it raises concerns over rising fuel prices, taxation pressures, and alleged lack of transparency in public finance management.

ODM leader Oburu Oginga rejects claims of weakened authority, distances party from “Ruto must go” slogan, and warns against internal dissent and indiscipline.

The former Head of State will co-chair the gathering alongside Jubilee Party deputy leader and 2027 presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, in what is expected to be one of the party’s most significant political engagements in the county.

High Court strikes out petition against UDA, Jubilee Party and Farmers Party after ruling that the electronic evidence presented failed to meet admissibility standards, leaving allegations of unauthorised political registration unexamined.

The fiery former Cabinet Secretary who has pledged to fix the country and engage Gen Z if he forms the government in 2027, emphasised unity, inclusivity, and a shared national agenda, saying Kenya’s future depends on cooperation among leaders committed to reform and good governance.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua’s Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) Party is the latest to declare it will remain independent within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, while fully backing Ruto’s bid.

MCC reiterated that its decision was guided by Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of political association and participation in democratic processes.

The by-election, conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), recorded a voter turnout of 66.6 percent, with 29,538 ballots cast out of 44,353 registered voters.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka follows in second place with 19 per cent, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ranks third at 14 per cent.

73 per cent of ODM supporters support the “Linda Mwananchi” faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, while 24 per cent back the rival “Linda Ground” grouping linked to acting party leader Oburu Odinga.

President William Ruto leads with 24 per cent support among 2,013 respondents drawn from across the country, followed by Kalonzo Musyoka at 19 per cent. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is third with 14 per cent.

The survey, which sampled 2,013 respondents, indicates strong public backing for continuity within the Kenya Kwanza leadership structure, with Kindiki commanding a dominant 59 per cent support.

Support for the arrangement has dropped from 44 per cent in November 2025 to 30 per cent in May 2026, marking a clear reversal in public sentiment over the broad-based government idea.

Candidates in the race are David Keter, alias Dollarline, of UDA; Vincent Rotich of DCP; Gideon Koech of NVP; Desmas Cherono of PNU; and Kenneth Kiprono of RLP.

Gachagua claimed that French firms were initially awarded a Sh159.27 billion contract on September 30, 2020, under the Uhuru Kenyatta administration, but the project was later cancelled by the current administration before construction began.

The party has invited applications for the positions of President, Governor, Senator, Woman Representative, Member of Parliament (MP), and Member of the County Assembly (MCA).

Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou confirmed that his office is processing the provisional registration of the two proposed parties in line with Section 5(2)(a) of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka dismissed the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, claiming Kenya was chosen to host due to divisions among Francophone nations rather than merit.

It is Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya who let the cat out of the bag when he called for an immediate ceasefire within ODM, warning that escalating internal feuds and what he described as ‘friendly fire’ are now complicating President William Ruto’s re-election strategy.

The leaders defended ODM’s growing cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the working relationship was intended to promote development, national unity and equitable distribution of resources regardless of political affiliation.

Ngotho garnered 12,957 votes against Paul Waiganjo’s 4,978 votes in the party primaries.

Maraga claimed that the original contract for the 175-kilometre highway was signed during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration at about Sh159 billion, but was later cancelled after the change of government.

Oburu said he remains healthy, active and firmly in control of party affairs, dismissing concerns that had emerged after his reduced public appearances in recent weeks.

Advocate Njeri Maina, who is part of Gachagua’s legal team, claimed that the exercise was rushed, poorly notified, and deliberately structured in a way that excluded meaningful participation by members of the public.

Lawyers representing Gachagua and several lobby groups argued that the October 2024 impeachment proceedings were motivated by political disagreements within the Kenya Kwanza administration rather than genuine constitutional accountability.

Dr Gikonyo further disclosed that President Ruto contacted him directly on the day of the Senate proceedings to inquire about Gachagua’s medical condition.

Deep-rooted interests and suspicions of sabotage within their ranks are threatening to deny leaders of the Opposition a chance to produce a formidable candidate to stop President William Ruto’s reelection juggernaut.