Executive Walkway

Shifting Alliances: Kenya Enters a New Political Phase After Raila Odinga

Kenya’s political landscape is entering a period of transition as President William Ruto enters the the early stages of consolidating his power base following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The recent partnership of KANU party leader Gideon Moi with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), coupled with his withdrawal from the November 27 Baringo senatorial by-election will lead to realignment of the current structure.

Insiders suggest that discussions are underway on the possibility of a Cabinet and parliamentary leadership reshuffle to accommodate new political allies and the expulsion of ODM party rebels, while others suggest a merger between ODM and UDA.
Within ODM, internal realignm3ents are expected to accelerate. Senior figures such as Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are positioning themselves to assert relevance and secure influence, with some quietly moving closer to the State House. In the absence of Raila Odinga’s unifying presence, succession politics and strategic alliances are set to define the party’s immediate future.

KANU will also host the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) Forum 2025 in Nairobi this Tuesday and Wednesday. The Forum, under the theme “Navigating Africa’s Strategic Position in a Multipolar World: Towards Equitable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships”, will convene leaders from over 25 centre-right political parties affiliated with the International Democrat Union. The timing is significant as KANU finalises technical details of a cooperation deal with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Parliamentary Aisle

Parliament on Recess

The National Assembly and Senate are on recess. The Senate is expected to resume on 28th October,2025, while the National Assembly will resume regular sittings on Tuesday, 4th November 2025 at 2.30 p.m.

Corridors ofJustice

High Court to Give Directions in Petition Challenging Cybercrimes Amendment Provisions

As the operationalisation of the recently enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 takes effect, High Court Judge Hon. Justice Lawrence N. Mugambi, sitting in the Constitutional and Human Rights Division at Milimani, is set to issue directions on a constitutional petition challenging the validity of Section 27(1)(b), (c) and (2) of the law.

The Court previously granted conservatory orders suspending the enforcement of these provisions, which were argued to be overly broad by criminalising cyber conduct that “is likely to cause the other person to commit suicide.” Petitioners contend that the wording is vague, subjective and risks unjustly criminalising online expression.The directions will guide the next steps toward the substantive hearing of the petition.

Talking of Which

Tanzania Heads to General Elections

Tanzania will conduct general elections this Thursday for both the presidency and parliamentary seats, despite the exclusion of major opposition parties Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) and ACT Wazalendo. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan is still the frontrunner and is poised to become the country’s first democratically-elected female president.

Watch out for

Africa Climate Investment Summit & Smart Cities Forum

From this Tuesday to Thursday, the Africa Climate Investment Summit will convene a diverse assembly of innovators, investors and policymakers focused on directing capital into climate-smart ventures across Africa. Themes such as green growth, the circular economy, renewable energy and nature-based solutions will dominate discussions. The summit presents “deal rooms” and breakout tracks where entrepreneurs can pitch solutions and investors can explore new opportunities, making it a key convergence point for climate finance in the region.

Immediately following, the Smart Cities Forum 2025 also starting from Thursday to Friday will shift attention to urban transformation, digital infrastructure and inclusive design. Urban planners, technologists, infrastructure investors and civil-society leaders will participate in sessions that tackle how African cities like Nairobi can leapfrog into smart-city models.

MovingUp

Akua Brayie Owusu‑Nartey,Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of WPP Scangroup Plc

kua Brayie Owusu-Nartey has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of WPP Scangroup Plc, effective 17 November 2025. With more than eighteen years of experience in integrated communications, brand transformation and business growth across multiple African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Before assuming her new role ,Ms. Owusu-Nartey held senior leadership positions within the wider WPP network, including roles as Chief Client Officer and Head of Connected Culture at Ogilvy Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Central University College in Ghana, and an Executive MBA from Hult International Business School in the UK.

Her appointment comes at a time when WPP Scangroup is undergoing vital transformation, intending to deepen its digital capabilities, streamline operations across its pan-African footprint and strengthen client relationships in a rapidly evolving media and communications environment.

Playbook

27th October 2025