Politics

Ngotho, who was backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, succeeds the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, who died in March 2026 while receiving treatment at The Nairobi Hospital.

DP Kindiki urged Ngotho to unite Ol Kalou residents and serve them without discrimination. He also praised Muchina for running what he described a mature and issue-based campaign.

IEBC Commissioner Anne Nderitu said the counting process would begin after polling closed, with voters who were still in queues by 5:00 pm allowed to cast their ballots.

Azimio says the vote to remove Edwin Sifuna as Senate Deputy Whip failed to meet the required threshold and urges Speaker Amason Kingi to suspend the changes pending resolution of the dispute.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said the changes were made in accordance with the Senate Standing Orders governing the removal and election of Minority leadership.

The commissioner was responding to claims by DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala that police officers were moving around in civilian clothing and unmarked vehicles with the aim of intimidating voters during the by-election.

Malala said voting had generally begun peacefully, with the IEBC opening polling stations on time and residents turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights.

The electoral agency urged residents of Ol Kalou to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic right, while advising the public to rely on its official platforms for accurate and verified election updates.

Violent disruptions of political and civic events are raising concerns about the use of hired gangs as Kenya heads toward elections in 2027.

Petitioners argue that repeated nominations undermine affirmative action, deny opportunities to women, youth and persons with disabilities, and turn nomination slots into political patronage.

UDA’s response came after Gachagua wrote to IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon on Tuesday, citing bribery allegations by senior Kenya Kwanza government officials during campaigns.

The commissioner said the official election period for the 2027 General Election is expected to begin around August next year, adding that until then, the IEBC cannot legally prosecute or punish political actors under campaign regulations.

Its long-term observers documented allegations of cash handouts, distribution of household items, campaign disruptions, and violent incidents involving political actors across the constituency. 

The DCP leader said the deployment of more than 2,000 police officers in Olkalou was unprecedented in Kenya’s electoral history and called for all officers involved in security operations to be identifiable.

Hired through neighbourhood contacts to avoid leaving any electronic fingerprints, potential recruits are told to gather in a specific predetermined location ahead of an event, and ordered to dress in matching outfits with a face covering.

IG Douglas Kanja explained that the 114 polling stations set for the by-election will be adequately provided with security, in line with standard deployment procedures.

The Office has now invited members of the public with objections to the registration of the proposed parties to submit them within seven days from the date of publication of the notice.

A series of violent attacks at political rallies has sparked fears of escalating election-related unrest, with analysts warning that failure to hold perpetrators accountable could jeopardise Kenya's 2027 General Election.

The survey shows a tightly contested political landscape, with nearly one-third of Kenyans saying they have no party affiliation, underscoring the fluid nature of voter preferences ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The poll highlights Kindiki’s strong position as Ruto’s potential deputy, but also notes that preferences may shift as the 2027 General Election approaches

The movement says it will press ahead with its nationwide mobilisation campaign despite violent disruptions at its recent rallies in Kisumu and Nyahururu.

The court temporarily halted enforcement of the Sh1.5 million penalty pending the hearing of the Kipipiri MP's petition challenging the IEBC's decision.

A Kalonzo Musyoka ticket with Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i as the running mate follows in second place with 16 per cent support, while a Matiang’i ticket with Kalonzo as the running mate ranks third with 15 per cent.

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga is the strongest alternative at 11 per cent overall, with her strongest base in Nyanza (21 per cent) and among 18- 26-year-olds (19 per cent).

Ruto’s support has increased from 21 per cent in August 2025 to 28 per cent in December 2025 and 32 per cent in June 2026.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had set July 13 as the end of the official campaign period, 48 hours before the election day, giving candidates time to make their final appeals to voters before the polls.

ODM leader Oburu Oginga says the party will support President William Ruto’s second-term bid as part of ongoing coalition talks, but wants a structured agreement on power sharing and policy priorities.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata says his driver was shot during a rally in Nyahururu, alleging the Linda Mwananchi team was attacked by suspected goons.

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have reaffirmed their commitment to the Linda Mwananchi movement, dismissing reports of divisions and insisting its leaders remain united.

Owalo’s bid, according to observers, is seen as a third force in a race expected to be a photo‑finish contest featuring big names in the Opposition, such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, who are already dominating the quest.

Confirming the change on Friday, July 10, 2026, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced that the Movement would only visit Nyahururu Town, dropping Ol Kalou from its itinerary.

Multiple interviews conducted by the Eastleigh Voice with a section of opposition insiders reveal growing unease and a lack of coordination over when and how the coalition, which has vowed to unseat Ruto, should settle on its presidential flagbearer.

It warned that failure to comply with the directives could result in consequences affecting her eligibility to participate in future elections.

With time running out and General Elections approaching, Sifuna, who for months has been entangled in a protracted legal battle with the party, faces tough, decisive options.

The Registrar of Political Parties has formally recognised Edwin Sifuna's removal as ODM secretary general, handing the party leadership a major victory as the Nairobi senator prepares a legal challenge.

The ruling marks an early setback for Sifuna, who recently lodged a fresh complaint challenging the June 22, 2026 NEC resolution that removed him from office.

The political outfit paid tribute to those who fought for the restoration of multiparty democracy, greater freedoms and social justice, saying their sacrifices continue to inspire the country's pursuit of democratic governance.

The announcement comes days after Natembeya hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders at his home in Trans Nzoia.

IEBC Director of Legal Services Chrispine Owiye, said the Commission relied on the provisions of the Elections Act when developing the rules to guide the handling of pre-election disputes.

From the historic 1990 pro-democracy protests to today's calls for accountability, here's how Saba Saba became one of Kenya's most enduring symbols of democratic struggle.

IEBC said the proposed limits were developed after assessing the cost of running campaigns at different elective levels while considering the varying conditions across electoral areas.

Coalition principals, including former Attorney General Justin Muturi and People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, disagreed with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's proposed approach to selecting the candidate.

The Suna East MP added that ODM still enjoys significant support in Nairobi and will ensure the party wins all positions in the city, including the gubernatorial position.

The president declared that his administration would not tolerate leaders who seek to divide the country along ethnic lines.

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed alleges attempts to block her ODM nomination as early succession politics and shifting alliances begin to reshape the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Coast leaders urge residents to reject ethnic politics, back the national 10-point agenda and support unity as they unveil development plans for Jomvu and call for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.

Nyoro said he will work with like-minded leaders across the political divide to shape what he called a new path for the country.

Abdirisack also condemned incidents where individuals allegedly targeted hotels hosting political meetings, saying authorities would move to protect private property and act against misinformation and inflammatory statements spreading on social media and in public addresses.

IEBC Commissioner Moses Alutalala said the commission would apply strict measures at tallying centres by allowing only official agents of candidates to access the centres during elections.

Governor Isaac Mutuma says the proposed State Lodge and airstrip are key to Meru's development and city status ambitions, despite court orders and growing opposition over the planned excision of Imenti Forest.

Sifuna’s removal has been catalysed by his declaration that he cannot work closely with Oburu, explaining that he could not serve as party secretary-general under what he described as “mediocrity”.