Politics

On Thursday, August 28, Governor Mutai mounted a robust defence, challenging the validity of electronic votes cast by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

ODM said the continued refusal by the Treasury and Parliament to release the funds has undermined the party’s ability to meet its financial obligations despite the money being a legal entitlement under the Political Parties Fund.

In a video circulating online, a frustrated Orwoba confronted security officers, insisting she had every legal right to enter and daring them to arrest her.

Mwangi stressed the urgent need for leadership that puts the welfare of ordinary Kenyans first and transforms their aspirations into practical policies.

Among the positions, he said, included the ministries of Interior, Finance, Agriculture, Water, Lands, Trade and the Attorney General, which were part of a gentleman’s agreement aimed at rewarding the Mount Kenya region.

When asked about concerns regarding his impeachment, Gachagua pointed out that the law allows individuals to seek elected office while appealing convictions.

The county assembly reported that 33 of its 47 MCAs voted in favour of the ouster, exceeding the two-thirds majority needed to impeach the governor.

Its first national delegates congress on Saturday brought together activists and representatives of affiliate groups, including Kongamano La Mapinduzi, Social Justice Centre, and Ukweli Party.

Gathoni Wamuchomba has positioned herself as a vocal critic of President Ruto’s administration, focusing on what she describes as unchecked excesses. Her stance has isolated her within the ruling UDA party.

The caucus also includes leaders such as Caleb Hamisi (Saboti), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East), who have vowed to push for generational change at the ballot, citing failed leadership, poor accountability and weak governance.

IG Kanja stressed that “no one is above the law” and action would only be taken if Gachagua or his supporters violated the law.

The tribunal barred the Registrar of Political Parties from removing Orwoba’s name from the party register based on the contested decision and ordered UDA to reverse any steps taken to enforce her expulsion.

Tuju, who has been out of the country for six weeks, acknowledged that he is not fully aware of recent developments within Jubilee

Introduced in February and sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the Bill sought to enforce stricter financial and administrative restrictions during election periods.

ODM stressed that membership verification is already underway and urged members in these areas to check and confirm their status ahead of the by-elections.

Kalonzo, who met Sifuna on August 14 on the sidelines of the Law Society of Kenya’s annual conference in Kwale County, hinted at a potential political alliance as the country gears up for the 2027 general election.

"What Ruto said at the devolution conference is far from reality and most of these governors representing the old order would probably be voted out," said Gitobu Imanyara.

The petition, filed by lawyer Dr Owiso Owiso, human rights activist Khelef Khalifa, and Ashioya Biko, sought leave to have the court hear the matter, which the judges found to be unprocedural and premature.

Wamuchomba was suspended on Wednesday after staging a demonstration accusing Murkomen of contempt for Kware dumpsite victims, citing slow progress by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The gathering is set to strengthen national unity, coordinate joint policies, and review progress on the 10-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two parties in March.

The proposed law amends Section 6 of the Election Offences Act, 2016, making it a criminal offence for members or staff of the IEBC to conduct or oversee elections in ungazetted polling stations.

According to the IEBC, political parties intending to take part in the by-elections must submit the names and specimen signatures of authorised party officials by September 17, 2025.

In a statement on Thursday, August 14, Gachagua said his early return was to focus on preparations for the upcoming by-elections, apologising to supporters that he would no longer be able to meet on his trip.

According to Cheruiyot and Madzayo, the reforms are designed to strengthen devolution and ensure more effective joint roles for both Houses in lawmaking and budget oversight.

Tensions have been building in ODM over Sifuna’s combative stance, particularly his opposition to the political deal between Raila and President William Ruto.

During the politically charged rally, the ODM Secretary-General also castigated Ruto, accusing him of undermining devolution.

The president also announced plans to employ more than 40,000 youths through the Climate WorX programme, aimed at securing their livelihoods and futures.

Ruto, who hosted thousands of youths at State House in an economic empowerment programme, appeared bullish, listing his achievements and announcing his resolve to uplift the lives of youths across the country.

The ODM leader warned that the country had been on the brink of unprecedented chaos, similar to other nations that have experienced political collapse

The committee, led by Agnes Zani as chairperson, will oversee the execution of the MoU and coordinate engagements with the public and key stakeholders to ensure the agenda reflects the needs and aspirations of all Kenyans.

In a formal notice dated August 5, Uhuru issued a 21-day notice in accordance with the party's constitution, inviting delegates to the meeting set to take place at the Jockey Club in Nairobi.

The party’s strategist, Pauline Njoroge, said the NEC meeting marks a significant step in reaffirming the Jubilee Party’s ideals, strategic direction, and internal unity.

Musau says in the past, there had been a large number of docile citizens, while others were more politically mobilised and easier to manage, as they could be placed into political camps, but Gen Z voters want things done in accordance with the Constitution and are guided by the social contracts they have with their leaders.

Senator Sifuna said he is willing to read whatever statement ODM comes up with—even if it is insulting him—but insisted he would not read any statement from the party endorsing President Ruto for the 2027 election.

The rally ended abruptly when police officers fired tear gas canisters and confronted the crowd. In the chaos, the man was shot and left seated on the ground, visibly wounded, while others ran for safety.

The Speaker’s office took issue with a People Daily article titled “Wetang’ula: Fine line between the Speaker, politician,” saying it was misleading and cast unfair doubt on the Speaker’s integrity and role in Parliament.

Millie Odhiambo reminded observers that all political directions remain open and negotiable, emphasising that future political alliances will depend on meaningful negotiations rather than assumptions or expectations.

Maraga questioned the purpose and sustainability of giving citizens small cash handouts, asking Kenyans to reflect on the true source of the money being distributed.

Gachagua is demanding a monthly salary of Sh1.2 million for the remainder of the presidential term—totalling about Sh40 million—along with reinstatement of his security detail, retirement benefits, and all other privileges due to a Deputy President.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the Commission must act swiftly to reassert its authority and uphold neutrality by stopping premature campaigns from both the government and the opposition.

The by-elections will include six National Assembly seats, one Senate position and 15 Member of County Assembly (MCA) slots.

The party announced plans to immediately review the state of the nation, current developments in the party and, in particular, their agreement with Ruto's outfit, and support for a broad-based arrangement.

Amina, who previously served as secretary general, explained that her deep involvement in Abduba Dida’s campaigns had prepared her for the role.

Gachagua and Matiang’i, who have been on a US tour engaging the Kenyan diaspora, are widely seen as preparing the ground for the 2027 General Election.

The IEBC, now fully constituted, prepares to conduct 22 long-delayed by-elections including six National Assembly seats, one Senate position and 15 Member of County Assembly (MCA) slots.

Top UDA officials, led by party chair Cecily Mbarire and Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, held a closed-door retreat in Naivasha to ease tensions and lay the groundwork for a peaceful, fair nomination process.

During a town hall meeting in Baltimore—part of Gachagua’s ongoing tour of the US—Valentine Wanjiru Githae of the 625 Movement challenged the former DP to reconsider his rhetoric and approach if he hopes to mount a serious presidential campaign in 2027.

He stressed that he has never curtailed free expression within ODM, even if some opinions appear to question his leadership.

Raila, however, defended Sifuna, explaining that it was the secretary general who signed the memorandum with Ruto’s party and was therefore best placed to speak on such matters.

Governor Ahmed added that Sifuna has a right to his opinion, but should be cognizant of other divergent views in the political outfit over the Raila-Ruto pact and the latter’s suitability for re-election.