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James Wanjohi

By Honorable James Wanjohi

Leadership is the backbone of any thriving constituency. It shapes development priorities, determines how resources are allocated, and ultimately influences the daily lives of residents.

Kabete, a constituency with immense potential and a vibrant population, stands at a critical crossroads.

While progress has been made over the years, the rapidly changing social and economic landscape calls for fresh leadership—leadership that can re-energize the constituency and position it for a more prosperous future.

One of the strongest arguments for new leadership is the need for innovative thinking. Communities evolve, and so must the strategies used to govern them. Issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructure expansion, urban planning, and access to quality education require modern solutions.

New leaders often bring fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving skills, and a readiness to adopt technology-driven approaches that can improve service delivery. Kabete’s growing population deserves leadership that can anticipate future challenges rather than simply react to them.

Equally important is accountability. Leadership transitions can provide an opportunity to reassess priorities and strengthen transparency in governance. Residents are increasingly aware of their rights and expect leaders who actively engage them in decision-making processes. A new generation of leadership can foster a culture of openness—one where public participation is not just encouraged but embedded in how the constituency operates. When citizens feel heard, trust in institutions grows, and collective progress becomes more achievable.

Kabete is also home to a large youth population whose energy and ambition remain one of its greatest assets.

However, many young people seek greater opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and skills development. New leadership can place stronger emphasis on empowering this demographic through targeted programs, partnerships with the private sector, and support for innovation hubs. By investing in youth today, Kabete secures a stronger economic foundation for tomorrow.

Infrastructure is another area where renewed leadership could make a meaningful difference. Efficient transport networks, well-maintained roads, reliable water supply, and accessible healthcare facilities are not luxuries—they are necessities.

Forward-looking leadership can prioritize sustainable development while ensuring that growth benefits every ward within the constituency. Balanced development helps reduce inequality and ensures that no community feels left behind.

Moreover, leadership renewal is healthy for democracy. It encourages competition of ideas and prevents stagnation. When leaders know they are entrusted with responsibility for a limited time, they are often more motivated to deliver measurable results. For voters, the opportunity to evaluate alternatives reinforces the principle that leadership is a service, not an entitlement.

This is not to dismiss past contributions but to recognize that every era demands a different style of leadership. Kabete’s aspirations are expanding, and meeting them requires energy, adaptability, and a clear vision for long-term prosperity.

Ultimately, the call for new leadership is a call for progress. It is about embracing possibility, strengthening community engagement, and unlocking the full potential of Kabete. With thoughtful, forward-looking leadership, the constituency can move confidently into the future—more inclusive, more dynamic, and better prepared for the opportunities ahead.

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Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa has been delt a major blow after his deputy Ayub Savula Declares interest in the county’s top seat in the upcoming 2027 polls.

‎Addressing the media in Kakamega on Monday, February 2, Savula said he had already kicked off the process of decamping from the Eugine Wamalwa-led Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He also noted that he had already registered as a UDA 2027 aspirant, ahead of the UDA Aspirants’ Forum meeting set to be hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

‎“My journey of decamping to UDA from DAP-K party has already commenced. I have already registered as an aspirant for the gubernatorial seat in UDA and the journey has officially began,” Savula said.

Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana with Kakamega DG Ayub Savula during a media briefing in Kakamega. Photo/Courtesy

‎Savula further invited all UDA aspirants vying for different elective seats in the western region, to the State house meeting.

‎He said his decision to decamp from DAP-K was informed by his unwillingness to work under an opposition alliance that is being led by former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and his allies. 

‎Savula says he is comfortable pushing for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027 under the UDA-ODM political arrangement. 

‎”We know ODM and UDA are working together under the broad-based political arrangement, im not going to be part of  an alliance between DAP-K and Gachagua,” he said.

‎Savula’s bold move comes after his appointment by President William Ruto as the deputy coordinator for his Western Region campaign ahead of the 2027 general election.

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Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has re-emerged and broken his silence after abduction fears.

Bobi Wine, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts on Saturday, January 17, said he had managed to escape from the Ugandan military, which had raided his home on Friday night.

He also disclosed that he was not at his home, but his wife and other family members are still under house arrest.

While addressing the fears surrounding his reported abduction, Bobi Wine said that his neighbours had concluded that the military had succeeded in abducting him and his family and spread the news.

“Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. There were helicopters hovering over. I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them. Currently, I am not at home, although my wife and other family members remain under house arrest,” Bobi Wine stated.

“I know that these criminals are looking for me everywhere, and I am trying my best to keep safe. I understand that there has been great concern and speculation regarding my whereabouts. Please understand this is the context of a nationwide internet shutdown. Given the commotion that happened at our house at night, and given that no one is allowed to access the house, our neighbours concluded that they had succeeded in abducting us and spread the news.”

Uganda presidential results

He also rejected the presidential results that are being announced by the Uganda Electoral Commission and condemned the killings that have so far been reported in the country.

“I reiterate our COMPLETE REJECTION of the fake results Byabakama is reading. In addition to the ballot stuffing, the military takeover of the election, the detention of our leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, their results have zero backing!” Bobi Wine said.

“We condemn the murder of numerous citizens who have thus far attempted to peacefully demonstrate against the broad daylight thuggery. The people of Uganda have the right to protest in defence of their sovereign right to determine a government of their choice – not the kind of criminality we’re witnessing.”

He also claimed that the Ugandan government had employed various fraudulent techniques to usurp the will of the people in numerous constituencies across the country.

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Uganda Elections 2026

President Yoweri Museveni has taken an early lead in Uganda’s presidential election, according to provisional results released by the Electoral Commission on Friday morning.

The commission announced that with about 45 per cent of polling stations reporting, Museveni had garnered 76.25 per cent of the vote, translating to approximately 3.9 million votes.

His closest challenger, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was trailing with 19.85 percent, or approximately 1.3 million votes.

The early results place the long-serving president firmly ahead as the vote tallying process continues across the country, though the Electoral Commission cautioned that the figures remain provisional and subject to change as more polling stations submit their returns.

The election has been closely watched both locally and internationally, with Museveni seeking to extend his decades-long rule against a youthful opposition led by Bobi Wine, who has positioned himself as a symbol of change, particularly among young voters.

Votes are being counted in parts of Uganda amid an internet shutdown and opposition accusations of rigging in presidential and parliamentary elections.

“Massive ballot-stuffing reported everywhere,” declared presidential hopeful Bobi Wine in a post on social media, without providing documentary proof.

A photo collage of Yoweri Museveni and Bobi Wine.

The authorities have not responded to his allegations of electoral fraud, nor to his claim that “many” polling agents and supervisors belonging to his NUP party were “abducted, and others chased off polling stations”.

Delays of up to four hours have been blamed on malfunctioning biometric machines used to verify voters’ identities.

Some have linked the problems to the network outage, plus a lack of voting materials, and equipment not arriving at some stations on time.

Polling stations, therefore, closed later than planned. The electoral commission says that anybody who joined the queue by 5:00 pm was able to cast their ballot.

Earlier on, the electoral agency apologised for the “technical glitches” and said officials were working to resolve them.

In the presidential race, Yoweri Museveni, 81, in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh successive victory as he faces a challenge from Bobi Wine, a charismatic 43-year-old pop star.

The result of the presidential vote will be announced by 4:00 pm on Saturday, the electoral commission has said.

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James Wanjohi

By Hon. James Wanjohi

As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, we face a defining moment in our democratic journey. The question before us is not merely who will win political contests, but what kind of leadership we choose to entrust with our future.

At the heart of this decision lies the role of the Member of Parliament (MP)—a position too often misunderstood, underutilized, or reduced to symbolism. If Kenya is to progress socially, economically, and institutionally, we must commit to electing MPs who perform.

Members of Parliament are not elected to be ceremonial figures or crowd-pleasing entertainers. They are lawmakers, overseers of public resources, and defenders of the Constitution. Parliament shapes the laws that govern our economy, our education system, our healthcare, and our freedoms.

When MPs fail to legislate effectively, skip parliamentary sessions, or neglect committee work, the cost is borne by ordinary Kenyans in the form of poor services, weak accountability, and stalled development.

A performing MP is one who understands that representation goes beyond election season. It means consistently articulating the needs of constituents in Parliament, participating actively in debates, and contributing to meaningful legislation. It means scrutinizing government spending, demanding transparency, and standing firm against waste and corruption—regardless of political convenience. Oversight is not opposition; it is patriotism.

Equally important is the responsible management of devolved funds, including the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). These resources are intended to expand access to education, improve local infrastructure, and uplift vulnerable communities. Electing MPs with integrity, competence, and a track record of results ensures that such funds are used efficiently and equitably, rather than lost to mismanagement or patronage.

Kenya’s challenges today—youth unemployment, rising cost of living, public debt, and strained public services—demand serious, informed leadership. We cannot afford leaders who confuse noise for impact or loyalty for performance. Parliament needs men and women who read bills, understand policy, consult experts, and place national interest above personal gain.

The power to change the quality of our leadership rests with the voter. As citizens, we must look beyond handouts, slogans, and last-minute generosity. We must ask hard questions: Has this MP attended Parliament? Have they sponsored or contributed to laws that improve lives? Have they been accessible, ethical, and effective? Performance is measurable, and information is available to those willing to seek it.

The 2027 election offers Kenyans an opportunity to reset expectations and raise the standard of leadership. By electing performing MPs, we strengthen Parliament, deepen democracy, and lay a firmer foundation for inclusive development. Our future depends not on promises made, but on work done. Let us choose performance.

Hon James Wanjohi is a well known business mogul and an aspiring member of Parliament. Kabete constituency

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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during his meeting with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga. PHOTO/The ODM party/X

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Senator Oburu Oginga, on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, held a high-level meeting with the party’s Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, in a move seen as an attempt to steady the party amid growing internal tensions.

In a brief statement shared via X, ODM confirmed that Sifuna paid a courtesy call on Oburu at his Nairobi office, with discussions centring on party unity, cohesion, and the future growth of the movement.

“Secretary General Sen. Edwin Sifuna this morning called on Party Leader Sen. Oburu Oginga at his office in Nairobi. Their meeting centred on the unity and the growth of the party,” the party said.

Attempts to expel Sifuna

The meeting comes just a day after Migori Senator Eddy Oketch stepped back from a controversial motion seeking to de-whip and expel Sifuna from the ODM party, opting instead for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

In a letter dated January 6, 2026, Aguko, Osman & Company Advocates, acting on behalf of Senator Oketch, announced the withdrawal of a motion that had been filed just a day earlier on January 5. 

The lawmaker said the decision followed consultations with the party leader and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.

The advocates cited the legacy of the party’s founding leader, the late Raila Odinga, as instrumental in the change of approach.

“Following wide consultations with the Party Leader, Senator Dr Oburu Oginga and with utmost respect to the spirit of the founding Party Leader the late Raila Amollo Odinga, who embraced dialogue even with his fiercest enemies as the most preferred method of dispute resolution, we have received further instructions from our client,” the letter stated.

Despite withdrawing the motion, the letter maintained that there were legitimate concerns about Nairobi Senator Sifuna’s conduct.

“Being cognizant of the breaches as outlined in our aforementioned letter and the offensive remarks made by Hon. Senator Edwin W. Sifuna both against the Party and its members,” the advocates wrote, Senator Oketch had been “persuaded to withdraw the Motion Letter dated January 5, 2026.”

Instead of pursuing expulsion, the party will now invoke Article 16(1)(g) of the ODM Constitution, which empowers the party leader to facilitate amicable dispute resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

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Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has fired back at Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna after he accused him of squandering the funds meant for the late Raila Odinga’s poll agents during the 2022 General Elections.

In a press statement shared via his official X account on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Junet acknowledged that, indeed, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta had released the funds meant for the agents but denied being the custodian of the money.

He accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his younger brother Muhoho Kenyatta of taking control of funds meant for Raila Odinga’s election agents and failing to deploy or pay the agents across key regions.

According to Junet, Muhoho Kenyatta received the funds and then appointed Peter Mburu to take charge of the recruitment and payment of agents.

“I wish to respond to Senator Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General who moonlights for former President Uhuru Kenyatta within our party and who has challenged me to explain why agents in the 2022 General Election were neither paid nor present at their designated polling stations,” Junet stated.

“The answer is simple, clear and verifiable: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta released the funds meant for election agents to his blood brother, Muhoho Kenyatta. Muhoho Kenyatta then appointed one Mr. Peter Mburu to take charge of the recruitment and payment of agents.”

Mburu, he claimed, presented himself as an IT expert capable of detecting and preventing any manipulation of results by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The Suna East MP also moved to defend his own political standing, rejecting insinuations that he may have betrayed the late ODM leader.

He argued that if he had at any point betrayed Raila, the late former prime minister would not have appointed him as the National Assembly minority leader.

“Let the record also be set straight: Hon. Raila Odinga would have had no reason whatsoever to appoint me—Hon. Junet Mohammed—as the Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly, if I had truly betrayed him,” he stated.

He argued that he had handled all the delicate assignments from Raila with fidelity and diligence for years.

Sifuna attacks Junet

Sifuna launched a fierce attack on Junet during the burial of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s mother, Alice Wangari Gakuya, in Makomboki, Murang’a County, on January 3, 2026.

He challenged Junet’s recent criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s financial support for the Azimio campaign.

Sifuna reminded the crowd of Mount Kenya’s critical role in past elections.

“Unajua watu wengi wamesahau mlima Kenya, kwa mara ya kwanza baba Raila Odinga alizua kura zaidi ya milioni moja. Na ndio maana mliona nikipigia Uhuru Kenyatta asante kwa sababu alitusaidia. Mlitusukuma lakini alitusaidia,” he said.

He stressed Uhuru’s direct support for the opposition.

“Wengine alikula pesa ya Uhuru. Mimi najua kama katibu mkuu,pesa nyingi tulifanyia campaign ilitoka kwa Mweshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta. Alitusupport kihali na mali,” Sifuna added.

“Lakini saa hii kuna mashenzi mmoja, ametambua kwamba kuna ubaya ya pesa ya Uhuru Kenyatta. Nataka niulize Junet: ‘Wewe Junet, pesa ya Uhuru ilianza kuwa mbaya siku gani?’”

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Oburu Oginga

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has declared that he will be the party’s presidential candidate should ODM opt to contest the 2027 General Election on its own, insisting the matter is already settled by the party’s constitution.

Speaking during a New Year address to Kenyans, Oburu said the ODM constitution is explicit that the party leader automatically becomes its presidential candidate if the party decides to go it alone.

“If we are going it alone, I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate for our party. That presidential candidate is clearly stated in the constitution of our party, and it is the party leader. I am the party leader speaking. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if ODM decides to go it alone,” Oburu said.

He warned party members against harbouring parallel presidential ambitions within ODM, stating that anyone seeking the presidency under a different arrangement should look elsewhere.

“Anybody who is preparing himself to go for the presidential election in ODM is misplaced. If they want to go for a presidential candidacy, they should look for another party. This particular party’s presidential candidacy is already decided by its own constitution.”

Oburu dismissed claims that ODM has been weakened or “sold” to other political formations, insisting the party remains strong, grassroots-based, and intact ahead of the 2027 polls. He described 2026 as a decisive year in which the party will make a final determination on whether to run independently or enter into a coalition.

“As we move forward, we are going to decide whether we go it alone or we go with other parties. If we decide to go it alone, we are there. Anybody who is saying ODM is sold to other parties is daydreaming. ODM is strong, it is kicking, it is up, and it is not about to be sold. It will never be sold. If it were to be sold, I do not know at what price,” he said.

He added that the party’s deep roots make it impossible to trade away.

“This party is too big to be sold to anybody. I do not know if there is anybody in Kenya who can afford the price of ODM. It would be too much, too expensive for them, because the party goes down to the grassroots, to the last person.”

Reflecting on 2025, Oburu described the year as one marked by both progress and loss. He paid tribute to the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, describing him as both a national figure and his younger brother, and said the loss had profoundly affected the party and the country.

Despite the setback, Oburu said ODM had remained united and continued to make significant strides following Raila’s death.

He also clarified ODM’s current relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that while the party is part of a broad-based arrangement with the government, it is not in a formal coalition.

“We are not fully integrated into the government. We are just in a broad-based arrangement, not even a coalition,” he said.

With the 2027 election cycle beginning to take shape, Oburu’s remarks are expected to intensify debate within ODM, party unity, and the strategic direction the party will take in the post-Raila era.

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Senator Boni Khalwale

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has removed Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale from the Senate Majority Whip position.

Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli has been appointed to replace Khalwale in the lucrative role.

This is after Khalwale went against the UDA party and supported an opponent, DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, in the just-concluded November by-elections.

The move came moments after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said that Khalwale must pay for his political sins, vowing to have him punished.

“Senator Bonni Khalwale of Kakamega County must pay for his political sins for challenging his sponsoring UDA party in the recent Malava constituency by-elections by campaigning against our candidate. His contempt remarks against the UDA Party/Kenya Kwanza administration cannot go unpunished,” Cherargei wrote on X.

“We are going to make him an example of not undermining your own political Party and bring back political hygiene under Political Parties Act. To him we say Tawe & luwere in subsequent manner.”

Khalwale’s security withdrawn

The move comes days after the government withdrew Khalwale’s security, just hours before the highly contested by-elections.

Taking to his official Facebook account on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Khalwale said his security detail was withdrawn without any explanation.

“My security details have been pulled without any warning or explanation,” Khalwale wrote.

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A collage of Edwin Sifuna and Kasmuel McOure

ODM youth firebrand Kasmuel McOure has launched a blistering attack on Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of presiding over a humiliating defeat for the party in the just-concluded Kariobangi North Ward by-election.

In a strongly worded statement, McOure celebrated ODM’s commanding victories across the country but singled out Nairobi as the party’s “only stain,” arguing that the capital’s loss was avoidable and directly attributable to what he termed “duplicitous actors” within the leadership.

According to McOure, ODM’s top brass, particularly leaders from the Coast and Nyanza regions, delivered emphatic wins in their respective strongholds.

He praised former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir for the party’s victory in Magarini, saying the triumph was executed with “precision” and bolstered by the deliberate elevation of young mobilizers.

He also lauded ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga for steering the party to victory in Kasipul and Ugunja, crediting her for empowering young organizers, including university student networks.

But when it came to Nairobi, McOure said the party failed to clinch a single seat “that was well within our reach,” pointedly suggesting that Sifuna, whose political base includes Kariobangi North, did not deliver.

“It was a complicated ward, but not impossible,” McOure wrote. “I need not name the duplicitous actors responsible; we all know them. The ones who lie in wait as real leaders plan, organize, and execute, only to emerge at the eleventh hour and attempt to claim podiums they never helped construct.”

In what appeared to be a direct jab at Sifuna, McOure accused certain Nairobi leaders of resorting to intimidation, leveraging bodyguards and goons to silence young people who challenge them.

“Among us are leaders so easily replaceable that their absence would not cause the slightest political tremor,” he said. “Yet they presume to take us for fools.”

McOure insisted that ODM must continue investing in the youth wing, which he described as the party’s “most consequential engine,” and warned that complacency or internal sabotage would cost the party its strong national standing ahead of future elections.

Sifuna has not publicly responded to the accusations.

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DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence after he lost parliamentary contests in the just concluded by-elections.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader has congratulated candidates from his party who won in Thursday’s by-elections, describing the party as an emerging political force with grassroots appeal.

In a statement issued on Friday, Gachagua commended the three newly elected leaders for securing victories in their respective ward races.

He noted that the wins were a milestone for DCP, which he described as a relatively new party, highlighting that it had managed to gain traction in a short period.

He attributed the results to the engagement of voters and the efforts of candidates to remain connected with their communities throughout the campaigns.

“On behalf of the DCP party and our members, I offer congratulations to Douglas Masikonde, David Warui, and Dickson Okwiri Aduda for winning the Narok Township, Kariobangi North, and Kisa East wards, respectively,” he said.

Gachagua also praised voters for participating in the elections and for choosing leaders based on their interactions with the community.

He encouraged aspiring politicians within the party to stay active at the grassroots level.

“I urge all those who wish to contest under our party to remain on the ground and continuously engage the electorate,” he stated, adding that the party’s early wins were encouraging for its future growth.

He also extended his congratulations to the DCP candidate in the Magarini parliamentary race, Stanley Karissa Kenga, who lost to the ODM candidate Harrison Kombe.

“Congratulations Hon. Stanley Karissa Kenga our candidate in Magharani for a such strong showing. For a new party-@DCP_Democracy – with no previous inroads in the Coast Region region a credible second is more than acceptable. This now gives an entry into the Coast Region. I will be in the Coast over the holiday season to meet possible aspirants and establish party offices. Well done stanley. We are proud of you!” Gachagua stated.

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Justin Muturi kicks out Wamuthende's agent for wearing UDA colours

Democratic Party (DP) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, was forced to kick out UDA candidate Leo Wamuthende’s agent for flouting polling station rules.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, an angry Muturi is seen ordering the agent, who was putting on UDA brand colors, out of the Siakago Social Hall polling station.

Justin Muturi
Justin Muturi

According to Muturi, the man entered the polling centre wearing clothing that could be seen as political branding, a move he said violated the law. He said election regulations prohibit campaign displays inside polling stations.

“Election Day is not a campaign stage, and polling stations are not theatres for party branding,” he said. He added that he confronted the situation immediately.

“I made it very clear, not here, not today,” he said. Muturi said the man was removed from the polling station “as required”. He insisted that the law must guide the exercise from start to finish.

“The law is not optional — not today, not ever,” he said, stressing that even leaders should respect boundaries set for Election Day.

Muturi explained that his role as a community leader included ensuring that voters could exercise their democratic rights freely and without interference.

“I will continue standing with my people, protecting their vote and defending the integrity of this process. No uniform, no colour, no noise will overturn the will of the voter,” he stated. 

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Siaya Governor James Orengo has raised the alarm over what he describes as an escalating pattern of violence, intimidation, and state force during Kenya’s by-elections, warning that the country is drifting into a dangerous political culture reminiscent of past authoritarian eras.

In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Orengo lamented the chaotic scenes witnessed in several polling areas, saying the violence marks a worrying step backward for a country that prides itself on the democratic gains of the 2010 Constitution.

“We can’t be first world if, years after the Constitution 2010, we can’t hold peaceful and fair elections,” Orengo said. “The militarization and ‘goonification’ of elections is an evil worse than mlolongo.”

The veteran lawyer and long-time champion of electoral reforms was referring to the infamous mlolongo voting method of the Moi-era, where voters queued behind candidates in the open, often leading to widespread intimidation, rigging, and violence.

Rising Fears of State-Backed Intimidation

Orengo’s comments come amid reports of clashes, forced disruptions, and heavy police deployment in several by-election hotspots, including Kabuchai, Malava, and Kasipul. Opposition leaders have claimed coordinated attempts to suppress voter turnout in areas perceived to be hostile to the ruling party.

The Siaya governor said the trend of deploying armed officers and alleged state-backed groups at polling stations is destroying public trust in the electoral system and mirrors the repressive political environment seen in parts of the East African region.

“The East African neighborhood is becoming—or has been—extremely intolerant and despotic,” he noted, cautioning that Kenya risks sliding into the same pattern if strong action is not taken.

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Edwin Sifuna

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has issued a scathing statement condemning what he described as “one of the bloodiest election days in recent history,” accusing the government of failing to guarantee the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials during Thursday’s by-elections.

In his statement, Sifuna pointed to widespread violence reported across several hotspots, including Kabuchai, Malava, and Kasipul, claiming the country was witnessing a coordinated breakdown of security on a critical democratic exercise.

“Today has to be one of the bloodiest election days in recent history,” Sifuna said. “All the violence being witnessed across the country—from Kabuchai to Malava to Kasipul—points either to incompetence in the security command or their outright involvement in planning and executing it.”

The ODM leader placed direct blame on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and top security officials, arguing they had failed in their core mandate to protect citizens during the polls.

“CS Murkomen and his team must take responsibility for failing to secure the safety of all involved,” Sifuna stated.

Reports from various polling areas indicated clashes between rival groups, disruptions at polling stations, and cases of voter intimidation. Opposition leaders alleged that the violence was deliberate and meant to suppress voter turnout in certain regions.

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Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale

The government has withdrawn the security detail of Kakamega County Senator Boni Khalwale.

Taking to his official Facebook account on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Khalwale said his security detail was withdrawn without any explanation.

“My security details have been pulled without any warning or explanation,” Khalwale wrote.

This comes on the eve of the Thursday, November 27, 2025, by-elections that will be happening across the country, in which the Malava constituency will be taking part.

Khalwale has been vocal in campaigning for Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako, against the ruling UDA party’s David Ndakwa.

Natembeya’s Security Withdrawn

Withdrawal of Khalwale’s security comes hours after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya revealed that all his security detail was withdrawn in the dead of night, leaving the outspoken county boss exposed and sparking immediate unrest among his supporters.

Natembeya confirmed on Wednesday morning that police officers attached to him, including his personal bodyguards and those guarding his Kitale residence, were recalled without warning.

In a strongly worded statement, the governor condemned the operation, terming it a deliberate act of intimidation orchestrated through state machinery.

“All the security officers attached to me were recalled last night, and I was forced to put my own safety measures in place,” Natembeya said.
“Security for me is not an offer from the government or anyone—it is a constitutional right.”

The governor accused elements within the police service of weaponising law enforcement for political ends, insisting he would not bow to pressure or threats.

“Let whoever did that know that I will not be intimidated or cowed into giving up on my stand,” he said.

Security Withdrawal Comes Amid Threats on His Life

The dramatic recall comes barely weeks after Natembeya survived multiple security scares on the campaign trail.

During by-election campaigns in Malava and Bungoma, gunshots rang out at his Kabuchai rally, forcing his bodyguards to whisk him away to safety. The governor says these incidents are proof that his life is under active threat, making the sudden withdrawal even more alarming.

County Deploys Its Own Guards

In an emergency response, Trans Nzoia County quickly deployed enforcement officers to guard Natembeya and reinforce security at his home as investigations unfold.

Despite the tension, the governor says he will continue with his official duties uninterrupted.

“The Inspector General must come out and explain why the security officers were withdrawn,” he said.

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George Natembeya's security withdrawn

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is crying foul after all his security detail was withdrawn in the dead of night, leaving the outspoken county boss exposed and sparking immediate unrest among his supporters.

Natembeya confirmed on Wednesday morning that police officers attached to him—including his personal bodyguards and those guarding his Kitale residence—were recalled without warning.

Natembeya Speaks Out

In a strongly worded statement, the governor condemned the operation, terming it a deliberate act of intimidation orchestrated through state machinery.

“All the security officers attached to me were recalled last night, and I was forced to put my own safety measures in place,” Natembeya said.
“Security for me is not an offer from the government or anyone—it is a constitutional right.”

The governor accused elements within the police service of weaponising law enforcement for political ends, insisting he would not bow to pressure or threats.

“Let whoever did that know that I will not be intimidated or cowed into giving up on my stand,” he said.

Security Withdrawal Comes Amid Threats on His Life

The dramatic recall comes barely weeks after Natembeya survived multiple security scares on the campaign trail.

During by-election campaigns in Malava and Bungoma, gunshots rang out at his Kabuchai rally, forcing his bodyguards to whisk him away to safety. The governor says these incidents are proof that his life is under active threat—making the sudden withdrawal even more alarming.

County Deploys Its Own Guards

In an emergency response, Trans Nzoia County quickly deployed enforcement officers to guard Natembeya and reinforce security at his home as investigations unfold.

Despite the tension, the governor says he will continue with his official duties uninterrupted.

“The Inspector General must come out and explain why the security officers were withdrawn,” he said.

Supporters Demand Answers

News of the withdrawal triggered outrage among Natembeya’s supporters, some accusing the national government of silencing vocal leaders who refuse to “toe the political line.”

As pressure mounts, the country now watches to see whether the National Police Service or the Interior Ministry will break their silence.

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