Politics

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.

Additionally, the party said it plans to hold nationwide recruitment rallies to promote the issuance of national identity cards and encourage voter registration.

He revealed that talks were underway with leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.