Raila Odinga calls for a nationwide demonstration citing the high cost of living.

  Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga called for a nationwide demonstration citing the high cost of living.     UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala announced that a total of six parties joined the party.  President William Ruto nominated Bishop (Dr.) David Adang Oginde for appointment as

Significant Political Events of the week

On 18th January, In a gazette notice on Wednesday, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi recalled Senators for a special sitting on Thursday saying the lawmakers will consider the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2022. President William Ruto called on the East Africa Community (EAC)

Ruto changing the game on management of government

President William Ruto’s victory at his first attempt and without the support of the incumbent proved his prowess in strategy. In the early days of his presidency, he is also proving to be a corporate strategist.  He started the year with a retreat for the

Raila’s call for protest rallies stirs Ruto government

Azimio calls for a ‘People’s Dialogue Forum’ as a way of putting the nascent Wiliam Ruto administration in check has raised political temperatures in the country months after the August 2022 General Election. The opposition outfit led by Raila Odinga which lost in the bitterly

Finger on the Pulse: Post-Election Snapshot

Significant political events of the week: On Tuesday, September 13, President-elect William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua were sworn in at Kasarani stadium. This was after the Supreme Court verdict that upheld his election as the President following the petition challenging the August 9

At the Supreme Court, it will be about the questions unanswered  

The next few days will be critical, and it is not only political watchers who should have their eyes on the Supreme Court, where the petition challenging the election of William Ruto as President will be heard.  Raila Odinga’s coalition has asked for a cocktail

Finger on the Pulse: Post-Election Snapshot

Significant political event of the week: On Monday, August 22, the Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate. Raila Odinga filed his petition challenging the presidential results announced by IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati.  The case will be heard and determined by September 4, 2022. Two voters moved

Shifting political alliances post-election: Likely fate of coalition parties

Following the declaration of Deputy President William Ruto as the President-elect by the IEBC chairman, a number of elected Members of Parliament allied to the Azimio la Umoja coalition have shifted camp to the Kenya Kwanza coalition.  The United Democratic Movement (UDM) party, a constituent

Women leadership in Kenya gains traction after big wins in 2022 General Election

For long, Kenyan women have been waiting for the day they will have opportunities to take up positions initially dominated by men. With the 2022 General Election, Kenyans’ perception of women leaders seems to have changed; this is evident from the number of women governors,

19th August 2022 Kenya Gazette Review

PUBLIC SECTOR Appointments President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed: Levi Franklin Mghalu to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Shipping Line, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from 5th August, 2022. JUDICIARY

Finger on the Pulse: Post-election snapshot

On Monday, August 15, IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati declared UDA presidential candidate William Ruto as President-elect with 7,176,141 votes against his main challenger, Mr. Raila Odinga, who got 6,942,930 votes. Upon announcement of the presidential winner by the IEBC Chairman, four IEBC commissioners disputed the

General Election Winners & Losers

The Sentiment this week sought to analyse some of the institutions and individuals involved in the General Election and how they have emerged from the process. WINNERS IEBC Wafula Chebukati, the commission’s chairman, had a twinkle in his eye as he encouraged the public and

Finger on the Pulse: Post-Election Snapshot

On Tuesday, August 9, Kenyans across the country and in the diaspora headed to polling stations to cast their vote. For the first time after 50 years of being stateless, the Shona community cast their votes. This came after President Uhuru Kenyatta granted full Kenyan

Why this different poll will keep everyone on edge

A combination of changes to electoral laws made after the elections in 2017 and the emphasis on traceability and verifiability of the polls have changed the way the results will be made public. In the week before the elections, the institution in charge has ramped

What August 9th General Election means to the East African Community

Kenya’s electioneering season is now in its final stretch. On August 9, voters will head to polling stations across the country and in the diaspora to cast their votes. A peaceful General Election in Kenya will strengthen regional stability. The country needs a leader who

Understanding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations (UN) members in 2015 are essential in ensuring we meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations. These global goals provide a pathway for an inclusive environment that ensures

Election Countdown: 3 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 General Election day 9th August, 2022 Significant political event of the week: On Monday, August 1,  Education CS George Magoha directed schools to release learners for a break ahead

Towards poll D-day: Misinformation tactics raise tension, keep media busy

The electoral commission on Thursday invited the four presidential candidates for a consultative meeting over the printing of results forms. At the same time, rumours surfaced on social media and were subsequently shared through messaging apps, that the police had raided the headquarters of a

NMS drafts contingency plan for Nairobi ahead of August 9 polls

Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and some stakeholders have developed a contingency plan for Nairobi County to guide in preparing for any eventualities that may arise after or during the August 9 polls. In a statement on Monday, July 25, Gen. Mohamed A. Badi, the Director-General

Election Countdown: 10 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 General Election day 9th August, 2022 Significant political event of the week: The IEBC denounced claims  that government security agencies at JKIA had detained ballot papers allegedly imported outside

JKIA incident a bad sign for State-IEBC relations

Nothing political on Twitter is spontaneous and it was therefore evident the Azimio Coalition was unhappy with the electoral commission on Friday.  Singled out for criticism by affiliated individuals was Wafula Chebukati, the chairman of the commission, over the handling of three men who were

Peace efforts prevail but a run-off is a bigger reality

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission and interested stakeholders has ramped up activities to campaign for peace in areas of potential election-related violence.  These activities are centred around Nakuru, Kisumu, Nandi, Isiolo and Marsabit counties and have the generous backing of non-governmental organisations, many of

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Sonko breathes new life to Chapter Six of the Constitution

The Supreme Court dealt a final blow to Mike Sonko’s stab at the Mombasa gubernatorial race when it dismissed his appeal concerning his impeachment from the office of the Governor of Nairobi City County. In the shortened version of its decision, the Supreme Court noted

Election Countdown: 17 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the names of the County Tallying Centre Election Agents 25th July, 2022 For presidential elections, political parties and

Election Countdown: 24 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the names of the County Tallying Centre Election Agents 25th July, 2022 For presidential elections, political parties and

Uhuru’s war on corruption: Admitting being soft and appearance with Sonko point at watered down efforts

One of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s targets, as he sought to establish his legacy after 10 years in charge, was to enhance the war on corruption. This week, about three weeks to the election, he appeared to make several steps back in that effort. First was

Delay by Government Press to gazette House sitting exposes its soft underbelly as the country heads into the elections

The Government Printer has come under increased scrutiny this week after the Speaker of the National Assembly called off a special sitting following the failure to gazette the special sitting. Speaker Justin Muturi had called for a special sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday,

A month to go and IEBC is scrambling

Despite its best efforts, and more than four years to get its act together, the electoral commission faces the same challenges it did in 2017 when it bore the embarrassment of the presidential election annulled. Perhaps the greatest failure has been in the management of

Election Countdown: 31 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the names of the County Tallying Centre Election Agents 25th July, 2022 For presidential elections, political parties and

Efforts to relieve consumers start, but bigger issues remain

A combination of decisions this week have provided some relief and could reduce the political pressure on the administration as it sees out its last days in office. Via the Finance Act, the Treasury reduced the tax on cooking gas, giving consumers relief in the

Despite a slow justice system, Waititu’s goose appears to be cooking

A bank official testified this week that a company owned by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu received kickbacks from a contractor. Using statements, cheques and other documentation, the Equity Bank employee said he helped investigators piece together the transactions showing Waititu received the money from

Election Countdown: 38 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the names of the County Tallying Centre Election Agents 25th July, 2022 For presidential elections, political parties and

The dilemma in the wake of Covid-19 upsurge and increasing political gatherings

Indoor political meetings are super spreader events for the coronavirus, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said during a press conference on June 20. What does this mean especially at this time when the political heat has intensified, with the majority of contenders hunting for votes from

Election Countdown: 45 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties participating in the General Election to submit their Party List to IEBC. 25th June, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the

Uhuru could be silently winning in Nairobi and Kiambu in a week Sakaja’s degree saga refused to let up

There was a hint of desperation in Johnson Sakaja’s voice as he sought to drag President Kenyatta into the troubles over his degree that have bedevilled him to no end this week. Although he insisted that the President, who was once his benefactor, was behind

Election Countdown: 52 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties participating in the General Election to submit their Party List to IEBC 25th June, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the

Under pressure, IEBC needs to manage stakeholders

It will take a special process for the National Assembly to hold a sitting following last Thursday’s adjournment of its sittings indefinitely. Among the institutions that had hoped to have its issues resolved before the legislators effectively closed shop was the electoral commission, which had

Election Countdown: 59 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period 29th May 2022 – 6th August 2022 Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the County Assembly Elections 1st June 2022 – 7th June 2022. Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for

Integrity of Aspirants: Eyes on electoral commission after receiving report by EACC

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on May 31, 2022, shared a report with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) detailing the various moral, ethical, and  integrity concerns pertaining to aspirants seeking elective positions in the August 9, 2022 General Election.  Impact of Report

A very short story of Uhuru-Ruto’s rekindled bromance

The public camaraderie exhibited by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his estranged deputy William Ruto, during the annual National Prayer Breakfast on May 26, 2022, flickered out just four days later, during the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1. During the annual National Prayer Breakfast day,

Election Countdown: 66 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the County Woman Member to the National Assembly elections. 1st June, 2022 to 3rd June, 2022. Nomination of political party

Election Countdown: 73 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the Presidential Election 29th May, 2022 to 6th June, 2022. Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the National Assembly Elections 29th May, 2022 to 31st May, 2022

After dust settles on presidential running mates, manifestos are next as campaigns begin

Rigathi Gachagua, William Ruto’s running mate, is reported to have caused disquiet within the Deputy President’s campaign team over a series of tactless remarks he has made since his appointment.  The latest was made on Inooro FM earlier this week, where he suggested that a

Work is cut out for Raila and Ruto after long wait for running mates ends

In the days after they unveiled their choice of running mate, Raila Odinga and William Ruto have had the opportunity to sit back, watch the reactions and listen to feedback on their choices. Mr Odinga will be happy about what has been said of his

20th May 2022 Political & Regulatory Round Up

KENYA Fresh hurdle as Raila’s Azimio legality challenged in court Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party, one of the two major political formations in the lead-up to the August 9 elections, faces a fresh hurdle after two petitioners challenged its legality at the High

Election Countdown: 80 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Presidential candidates deliver to IEBC a list of at least 2,000 voters registered in each of a majority of the counties 23rd May, 2022 Days for the nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the Presidential Election

Election Countdown : 87 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline IEBC to publish in the Gazette, the names and symbols of persons intending to contest in the election as independent candidates    13th May, 2022. Political parties intending to present a Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates through party primaries or

IEBC preparedness next on the radar

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission this week announced the start of the verification of the voters’ register, more than two months behind schedule.  The commission, abbreviated IEBC, is traditionally kept on its toes by the political parties through their party leaders and stakeholders such

Election Countdown: 94 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline IEBC to publish in the Gazette, the names and symbols of persons intending to contest in the election as independent candidates    13th May, 2022. Political parties intending to present a Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates through party primaries or

Election Countdown: 102 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Odinga’s stakeholders show their hand

Faced with pressure from different directions over a decision on his running mate, Raila Odinga this week resorted to a politically secure method – having the decision determined by a committee. While it had always seemed like Kalonzo Musyoka would return to the spot beside

Election Countdown: 108 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts. 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Party leaders take on nominations

The reporting on the United Democratic Alliance nominations suggested that there was widespread chaos in parts of the 36 counties where the party headed by Deputy President William Ruto was holding its primaries.  The party’s top officials and communication team were however happy that they

Election Countdown: 116 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Raila, Ruto struggle to avoid nomination fallouts

Raila Odinga endured a tough day on Thursday as he worked to convince parties in the coalition that he would continue to cater to their interests as the nominations ahead of the General Election begin. Mr Odinga would end up making a U-turn on a

Election Countdown: 122 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Election Countdown: 129 day to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts. 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Martha Karua solves one dilemma, others to come

Martha Karua this week announced her decision to join Raila Odinga’s Azimio movement, ending weeks of speculation about her political direction.  It was evident from Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria’s reaction that they had hoped to work with Ms Karua to deliver support for Deputy

Election Countdown: 136 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Raila’s big three issues

As he travelled to the United Kingdom this week, Raila Odinga was hoping to outdo his main competitor, Deputy President William Ruto, but left behind a campaign in trouble just months to the elections.  Mr Odinga’s biggest headaches come from:  His running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka,

Ruto ups the ante again

Deputy President William Ruto and his allies spent the past week in the Kiambu East region, starting from Thika earlier in the week and traversing through both Gatundu constituencies later.  Dr Ruto has decided to take the President head-on after his erstwhile ally openly showed

Election Countdown: 143 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

OKA fights undermine Kalonzo’s resolve

Nick Salat, Kanu’s secretary-general, is not a diplomat. This was evident this week as he chided Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for his apparent indecision over whether to join Raila Odinga’s Azimio. Mr Musyoka was initially thought to be a shoo-in to join Mr Odinga,

Peace efforts ramped up months to the election

With less than six months to the General Election, peace stakeholders have sprung into action in efforts to prevent election-related violence. Last Tuesday, the National Cohesion and Integrated Commission and the United Nations hosted the Uwiano Platform for Peace; Strategic Coordination and Peace. The event

Election Countdown: 151 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Headwinds in Raila’s attempt to build a winning combination with Kalonzo as duo struggle to repair relations

All along, it had seemed to Raila Odinga and his supporters that Kalonzo Musyoka would easily agree to cross over and accept to be his running mate, but things have changed drastically. This week, Mr Musyoka revealed to the public an agreement struck between the

Election Countdown: 158 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

Election Countdown: 164 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022 Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

DP Ruto heads out West

Deputy President William Ruto has rattled his competitors with the news that he will this weekend embark on a 10-day tour of the United States of America and the United Kingdom.  According to his Head of International Relations, Ababu Namwamba, Dr Ruto is scheduled to

Sagana III sparks the endless back and forth

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s third big meeting at Sagana State Lodge went as widely expected.  He castigated his deputy for starting his campaigns earlier than necessary, denying knowledge of the Handshake before it happened and then suggested that he had been involved in corruption before he

Election Countdown: 172 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names

IEBC concerned over bid to integrate Huduma Namba into voter listing and verification process

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has expressed concerns over the integration of Huduma Namba (National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS)) into the voter registration and verification process.  Through a memorandum to the National Assembly’s Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, the IEBC stated

As deadlines loom, so do familiar problems

Raila Odinga returned from a 10-day tour to an opinion poll saying that Peter Kenneth would be his best bet for running mate.  On the other hand, according to a poll by The Star, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua is the right man for Deputy President

Election Countdown: 179 days to go

Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit Party Membership lists to the IEBC April 9, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names of personscontesting in the

Future of politics in Kenya: Electoral system and poor leadership blamed for voter apathy

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reported that it captured 1,031,645 new voters in its second National Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise against a target of 4.5 million. The registration exercise came to an end on February 6, 2022. In the first phase

The die is cast for over 20 state officers after resigning to join 2022 poll contest

The biggest surprise in the Cabinet resignations earlier in the week is perhaps the low number of Cabinet Secretaries that resigned. It had earlier been rumoured that more than half of Cabinet Secretaries would resign with a majority being allied to DP William Ruto’s United

IEBC should avoid ghosts of the past to win voters and deliver credible elections

In exactly 179 days, Kenyans will be heading to the polls in what is shaping out to be a hotly contested General Election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is tasked with conducting and supervising the election. History shows that various challenges have marred

As he demands a solid deal, Kalonzo could hold the cards

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka was earlier this week given the greenlight by his Wiper party to negotiate pre-election deals.  Not that he needed permission, as he has nevertheless been approached and is still in the One Kenya Alliance (OKA), but he has over time

Elections Countdown: 186 days to go

Election timelines and activities  Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit the Party Membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the

Election Data Concerns: IEBC, private sector and the public face risks

Against the backdrop of the 2022 General Election, Kenyans have been receiving unsolicited political messages, as political parties clamber to influence voters. Voter registration has been in overdrive, currently in the second phase of the enhanced continuous voter registration due to end on February 6,

Government business continuity following anticipated mass resignation of key public officers

Succession in government offices has been making headlines following the announcement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that public officers seeking elective posts should resign.The IEBC has gazetted notice that public officers vying in the August elections, should resign from public office on

Joint opposition to manual submission of presidential results could neutralize tensions

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has sparked a fresh round of controversy in political circles just after the fight over the law determining how coalitions are formed ended.  The electoral commission has proposed changes to the Elections Act, with the apparently most controversial

Mudavadi’s political move and enactment of parties law roll the ball for coalitions

In the months before he announced an alliance with Deputy President William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi had been working to change his profile.  He had become more assertive and angled his messaging towards the economy and reminding Kenyans that it was when he joined the Treasury

IEBC releases 2022 election timelines

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has given notice through a press release that the General Elections shall be held on Tuesday, 9th August, 2022.  The following election dates/ timelines are universal amongst all categories of candidates vying during the 2022 General Election: UNIVERSAL TIMELINES

Itumbi seeks to make a meal of his travails

Journalists have been wary about exploring the story of the abduction, torture and hospitalization of Dennis Itumbi, who now works as a digital strategist for Deputy President William Ruto. Keen to use the opportunity provided by his story, Mr Itumbi has decided to dole out

Government enters watershed period with the February 9 deadline for public officers’ resignation

The mandatory resignation requirement for public officers vying in the 2022 General Election has run into legal headwinds. Public officers eyeing elective political seats are required by law to resign at least six months to the polls. However, the requirement, anchored under section 43(5) of

As he starts the last stretch, Ruto deploys a familiar playbook

Every day over the past two weeks, the Deputy President’s schedule is sent out by his communication team. His weekly schedule is released at the start of every week to media houses and also distributed via WhatsApp, mostly to journalists’ groups, which ensures that any

In Parliament, a distraction for Raila and Ruto

Plans by the Jubilee Party to hold a National Delegates Convention late November died with a whimper and without an explanation.  It was reported that the plans collapsed after a consideration was made that with more than 100 MPs having left the party for the

The journey, and the challenges, begin for Raila

Ahead of the much-hyped ‘big announcement’ by Raila Odinga on Friday, December 10, the team organizing the event at the stadium in Kasarani, Nairobi, were worried. While the event’s outcome was known well in advance, there were hitches evident in the fact that none of

As Odinga considers his choices, Mudavadi presents a familiar dilemma

Orange Democratic Movement head Raila Odinga is scheduled to make a major announcement on December 10, but observers expect no surprises as he has pointed in the direction already.  Barring a change of heart, the former Prime Minister will be making official his fifth attempt

Elections 2022: Bulk Political Messaging Do’s and Don’ts

Kenyans can expect to receive an influx of political messages as we approach the August 2022 General Election. Most political aspirants and candidates will seek to capitalize on the campaign period through use of bulk political Short Message Service (SMS). Unlike past experiences, the 2022

UDA protest to CJ is louder than it sounds

Chief Justice Martha Koome has been handed yet another test in the form of a protest letter over her membership in a committee connected with the elections. The protest is from Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance party and was issued after Justice Koome

Elections 2022: The ODPC should tame political parties on data privacy breach

On June 18th 2021, the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu shared a link through which members of the public could verify their political party membership status. Many Kenyans took to e-Citizen to confirm this and what followed was an uproar by people who claimed

Why all eyes are on Jubilee Party’s Delegates Congress

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party is set to hold its National Delegates Congress on November 30, a significant meeting for the party whose future has been in doubt since the fallout of its principals. Orange Democratic Movement boss Raila Odinga will be joined by Kalonzo

Elections 2022, Another round of proposals to amend Electoral laws

The electoral commission this week gave the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs a wish list of laws it wants changed to make it easier to manage the General Election in August 2022. They include provisions to allow a complementary mechanism to transmit presidential election

One more push for Raila

Compared to how they handled Raila Odinga, there was a different tone in the conversation when the Mt Kenya Foundation met the One Kenya Alliance earlier this week.  Where the former Prime Minister was assured of support, the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) was given the

When hot mics pick narratives

The press conference by Moses Kuria, Martha Karua and Mwangi Kiunjuri on Thursday was advertised as a significant moment for development in Kenya’s politics ahead of the General Election. At the end, a hot mic on the table at the venue picked up an interesting

UDA, Uganda, and Ruto’s dilemma

When they emerged from their Parliamentary Group meeting, MPs supporting Deputy President William Ruto came out with a bold statement.  They declared: “The governing Jubilee Party has collapsed. The opposition NASA coalition has disintegrated. The Hustler Nation has found a new home in the United

With Nasa dead, the President’s silence worries hopefuls

Going by the short Kenyan tradition as far as parties go, the National Super Alliance was never meant to last. Still, its imminent dissolution has been dramatized and televised, with Raila Odinga, its erstwhile presidential candidate, this week announcing the decision by his Orange Democratic

A major boost for Ruto, but major questions for IEBC

In the cycle of Kenyan politics, every new party needs a confidence-booster ahead of its first major General Election. William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance got theirs with a narrow win over Jubilee Party in the Kiambaa Constituency by-election.  Uhuru Kenyatta was there in September 2012,