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Senator Boni Khalwale
Politics

UDA Kicks Out Khalwale From Senate Role, Appoints His Replacement

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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Khalwale’s security withdrawn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Taking to his official Facebook account on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Khalwale said his security detail was withdrawn without any explanation.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

Duplicitous Actors! Kasmuel Blames Sifuna for ODM’s Nairobi By-Election Humiliation

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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
Politics

Gachagua Breaks His Silence After Losing Parliamentary Seats in By-elections

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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
Politics

Mbeere North By-election: Drama as Justin Muturi Kicks Wamuthende’s Agent Out of Polling Station

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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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Politics

By-elections 2025: Orengo Warns Kenya Sliding Into Despotic Election Culture

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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
Politics

‘Bloodiest Election Day’: Sifuna Blames Murkomen for Countrywide Violence

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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
Politics

Government Withdraws Khalwale’s Security Ahead of Malava By-election

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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
Politics

Panic in Trans Nzoia as Governor Natembeya’s Security Withdrawn Overnight

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

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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Malava by-election
Politics

Ruto, Mudavadi Appoint Malava UDA Aspirants to Diplomatic Jobs

by The Star
written by The Star

Two United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants from Malava Constituency who lost in the party primaries have been appointed to diplomatic positions in Uganda and South Africa, in a move that comes days ahead of the Malava by-election.

The appointments, announced on Monday by Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, were for Simon Kangwana, who will serve as Education Attachee at the Kenyan Mission in Uganda, and Rhyan Injendi Malulu, named Trade Attachee at the Kenyan Embassy in South Africa.

The two were among three aspirants promised government positions by President William Ruto in exchange for backing David Ndakwa, the ruling party’s candidate in the by-election.

The by-election was triggered by the death of Malava MP Malulu Injendi. Ndakwa is set to contest the Malava seat on Thursday under the UDA banner. Another aspirant, Leonard Shimaka, was last month appointed a Commissioner at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for a three-year term.

During the announcement, Mudavadi called Kangwana and Malulu to the podium to read their appointment letters from his phone, prompting loud cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd, who waved the party’s two-finger salute and chanted the famous two-terms campaign slogan.

Mudavadi urged voters to honour their part of the agreement by electing the UDA candidate, saying President Ruto had fulfilled his promises to the aspirants and to ongoing development projects in Malava.

“The president has kept his word on the UDA aspirants and the development projects currently ongoing in Malava. I ask you to be honourable like you have always been and vote for the UDA candidate,” Mudavadi said, addressing supporters at Malava Primary School on the final day of campaigning.

He emphasized that electing a ruling party MP would enable the constituency to access government services more easily.

“An MP from the ruling party easily accesses government services because of proximity to the President and the government functionaries. The late MP Malulu Injendi left you in government; ensure that you stay inside,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi highlighted what he described as the contrast between the UDA candidate and his opposition rival.

“The difference between the UDA candidate and that from the opposition is like night and day. Our candidate has sold his manifesto peacefully and with decorum, while his opponent has been abusive and chaotic,” he said.

The rally also followed a dramatic last-minute development in the Malava race. Joab Burudi Manyasi, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate, officially withdrew from the race on Sunday and declared his support for UDA’s Ndakwa.

Manyasi’s exit, received personally by Mudavadi in Kakamega, has analysts calling it a strategic move that could reshape voter dynamics in the final stretch of the contest.

“This decision is not a sign of weakness from our brother Manyasi, but a sign of strength that demonstrates unity of purpose from a leader who is pragmatic and who has always put the interests of the people of Malava first,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi said Manyasi’s support has given the UDA candidate renewed momentum heading into Thursday’s polls.

“Victory is indeed coming. The people of Malava Constituency have resolved not to gamble with their votes and know where to place their bet on Thursday, November 27,” he said.

The appointments and political developments signal a last-minute consolidation of UDA support in Malava, with the party appearing poised to secure the seat in the upcoming by-election.

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Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during one of his recent rallies
Politics

Panic in Kabuchai as Armed Goons Fire at Governor Natembeya During Rally

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Chaos broke out in Chwele/Kabuchai ward, Bungoma County, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya came under attack when gunshots were fired during a campaign rally.

In a video seen by Daily Trends, which is doing rounds on social media, Natembeya had been addressing residents from the rooftop of his vehicle while campaigning for independent candidate Eric Wekesa in the upcoming Chwele/Kabuchai ward by-election when the rally was violently disrupted.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of armed goons linked to a rival Ford Kenya faction stormed the rally and opened fire, sending residents fleeing for safety.

The sudden gunfire forced Natembeya’s security detail to react swiftly, grabbing the governor and pulling him back into his vehicle through the sunroof before speeding him away from the scene. Terrified locals ran in all directions as the gunshots rang out.

No casualties were immediately reported, but sources described the attack as a deliberate attempt to intimidate Natembeya and disrupt his presence in the hotly contested by-election.

Although he managed to escape, his vehicles were vandalised by the goons.

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Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha
Politics

“Sitatafuta Kiti cha Wamama!” Nakhumicha Launches 2027 Gubernatorial Bid, Vows to Unseat Natembeya

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has formally declared her intention to run for Trans Nzoia Governor in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest against incumbent Governor George Natembeya.

Speaking on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at a gathering in Cherengany, Nakhumicha said her family and supporters had given her a new political direction—one that moves her beyond the Woman Representative seat she previously held.

“Nachukua nafasi hii kushukuru sana hiyo mwelekeo mpya ambao mmenipa, yakwamba kuanzia leo nikitembea nitembee na nguvu mpya ya kusema mimi sio tu wa Cherengany ward, mimi sasa naenda kuwa kiongozi katika Trans Nzoia County,” she said.

In a fiery speech, Nakhumicha made it clear she would not seek the Woman Representative position again.

“Katiba ya Kenya inaruhusu mkenya yeyote, wa jinsia yoyote, kuwa katika nafasi ya uongozi. Kwa hivo leo wameniondoa kwenye kiti cha wamama… nataka kuwahakikishia yakwamba mimi ikifika 2027 sitatafuta kiti cha wamama,” she declared.

Takes Aim at Natembeya

Nakhumicha’s announcement signals her direct challenge to Governor Natembeya, who is expected to seek a second term. Her entry is projected to dramatically shake up Trans Nzoia politics, especially given her national profile and previous high-ranking role in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Ikifika 2027, familia imenipa mwelekeo mpya na huo ndio nitafuata,” she added, strongly hinting that she intends to reclaim political ground after being dropped from Cabinet in a reshuffle earlier this year.

Chris Wamalwa Also Enters the Race

Nakhumicha is not the only heavyweight angling for the governorship. Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa also declared his bid on the same day, marking the first time both well-known politicians have openly confirmed their intention to face Natembeya at the ballot.

Wamalwa, a seasoned politician with deep grassroots networks, is expected to split votes in what is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial races ahead of 2027.

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Gladys Wanga and her deputy Oyugi Magwanga
Politics

Kasipul By-Election Drama: Gladys Wanga’s Deputy Defies ODM, Declares Support for Independent Aroko

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

A political storm is brewing in Homa Bay after Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga publicly broke ranks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring his support for independent candidate Philip Aroko in the upcoming Kasipul parliamentary by-election.

Magwanga, who served as Kasipul Kabondo MP before becoming Governor Gladys Wanga’s deputy, said he decided on what he termed as “betrayal” by the ODM party during the nomination process.

Speaking during a community engagement in Kasipul, Magwanga accused ODM of conducting a flawed nomination exercise aimed at sidelining him and imposing a candidate he did not support.

“Magwanga has made the best step that he delayed to make because he has to make a choice on who is the best candidate for Kasipul,” Magwanga expressed his frustrations.

“He has not betrayed the ODM party; it is the ODM party that betrayed Magwanga because when we were going for the nomination of the ODM candidate, they decided to sidestep Magwanga and rig the election in favour of a candidate that Magwanga did not support.”

Boyd Were and Philip Aroko
Boyd Were and Philip Aroko

The ODM candidate in the race is Boyd Were, who secured the party ticket after a competitive nomination. However, the Deputy Governor insists that the process was manipulated, claiming that a transparent contest would have produced a different outcome that he would have willingly backed.

“If there was a free and fair nomination, I am very certain I would have supported that candidate,” he said.

“Magwanga is more ODM than Gladys Wanga, and I must tell you that the candidate I have chosen to support now is a member of the broad-based government.”

The move has triggered confusion among ODM supporters, particularly because it pits the deputy governor directly against the party-backed candidate despite his senior position within the Homa Bay County leadership.

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IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu
Politics

IEBC Reveals Why Kenya’s November By-Elections Will Cost Sh700M

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed that the 22 upcoming by-elections across the country will cost taxpayers approximately Sh700 million, citing high logistical demands and stringent security requirements in Kenya’s electoral process.

Speaking during a TV interview, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu explained that the bulk of the cost goes toward deployment and training of electoral officials, procurement of specialised election materials, and the extensive logistical network required to deliver them securely across the country.

“The biggest cost drivers are electoral officials, the procurement of materials, and the logistics involved in transporting everything to polling stations,” Nderitu said. “These elements carry the heaviest burden.”

She noted that election officials must undergo rigorous training to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the voting process. Coordinating their deployment is particularly demanding in remote and expansive regions.

“For instance, in Baringo County, we must carefully deploy vehicles to transport materials and personnel. In far-flung areas like Banisa in Wajir and parts of Turkana, we even use flights to ensure that ballot papers arrive safely. This is necessary to prevent delays and guarantee security,” she said.

Beyond personnel and transport, Nderitu emphasised that ballot papers themselves are a major cost driver due to high security standards.

“The ballot papers used in Kenya have more security features than currency notes,” she revealed. “Our elections are designed not just to manage votes, but to manage trust. Citizens must be confident that their votes are secure, the counting is transparent, and the results reflect their true choice.”

Kenya’s elections also rely on advanced technology aimed at enhancing credibility—systems that track voter identification, audit results, and secure ballots from manipulation. These, too, increase operational costs.

Nderitu contrasted Kenya’s system with other countries where elections are far cheaper and less centralised.
“In Sweden, political parties distribute their own ballot papers, and the electoral commission only supervises. Despite the minimal involvement, it remains one of the most trusted institutions,” she noted.

In Kenya, however, the IEBC bears both the responsibility of conducting elections and safeguarding public trust, necessitating heavy investment in logistics, personnel, and secure election technology.

The projected Sh700 million expenditure underlines the complexity and high stakes of Kenya’s electoral landscape, where ensuring credibility, transparency, and public confidence requires substantial resources.

The 22 by-elections are expected to be held in the coming weeks, with the IEBC promising tight security, strict adherence to electoral laws, and transparent management throughout the process.

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Boyd Were and Philip Aroko
Politics

Kasipul By-Election: IEBC Fines Boyd Were, Aroko Sh1M Each After Fatal Campaign Chaos

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Kasipul by-election candidates Boyd Were and Philip Aroko Sh1 million each following the deadly clashes that left two people dead and several others injured during a campaign confrontation earlier this month.

The penalties, payable within 48 hours, were issued after a disciplinary hearing in which the commission accused both candidates of violating the harmonized campaign schedule and fueling tensions that spiraled into violence in the Opondo area, Central Kasipul Ward, on November 6.

According to police, gunshots were reported as rival supporters clashed, leaving two young men dead. Authorities are pursuing a licensed firearm holder believed to have fired twice into the air during the chaos. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the violence erupted after an incident at ODM candidate Boyd Were’s campaign venue triggered panic, prompting retaliation from his supporters.

The by-election follows the tragic killing of area MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead in Nairobi in April 2025 by unknown assailants.

In its statement, the IEBC said both Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko had ignored the agreed campaign timetable, a move the commission said directly contributed to the escalation of tensions among their supporters. The election agency accused them of “recklessness” and failing to provide leadership that would have discouraged confrontation.

As part of the disciplinary measures, the two candidates were ordered to sign a commitment to strictly adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule ahead of the November 27 by-election. Both have also received formal warnings indicating that any repeat of the offence could attract harsher sanctions, including possible disqualification from the race.

“The commission will not hesitate to invoke stronger penalties should the candidates, or their agents, engage in conduct that undermines peace, public order, or the integrity of the electoral process,” the committee warned.

The violence has heightened security concerns in Kasipul, with residents and civil groups urging the government to strengthen enforcement of campaign regulations and ensure that political events do not become flashpoints for deadly confrontations.

The IEBC appealed to all aspirants in the race to exercise restraint, guide their supporters, and uphold peaceful campaign practices as the by-election enters its final stretch. All eyes are now on whether Were and Aroko will comply with the commission’s directives—and whether calm can be restored in the tense constituency.

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Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga
Politics

Governor Mutahi Kahiga Resigns From CoG Job After Uproar Over Raila Remarks

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has resigned from his position as Vice Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) following widespread outrage over comments he made appearing to celebrate the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Governor Kahiga came under intense public and political criticism after a video surfaced of him speaking at a funeral in Nyeri on Tuesday, where he claimed that Raila’s death had “leveled the political playing field” and altered national development priorities that had allegedly favored the Nyanza region.

Speaking in Kikuyu, Kahiga told mourners that the passing of the ODM leader was “God’s plan” for Mt. Kenya, remarks that were immediately condemned as “insensitive, divisive, and inhumane.”

“You guys can see what had been planned, but God brought something up. Now it’s total confusion. We did not harbor hate for anyone, but God came through for us,” Kahiga said during the funeral.

“Because the plan that had been hatched… all goodies were being directed there because of tomorrow’s plans. But God came and brought this thing,” he added, in reference to Raila’s death.

“Who is God? Does he take ugali at somebody’s house or sleep in Kayole? He came through in his own way… and came for Baba so that he can go and smooth things up there.”

The remarks sparked a nationwide backlash, with leaders across the political divide accusing Kahiga of celebrating tragedy and inflaming ethnic tensions at a time when Kenya is in mourning.

Council of Governors Distances Itself

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi said Kahiga’s remarks were “personal views that do not reflect the position of the Council.”

Abdullahi added that an extraordinary CoG meeting had been convened to address the matter, noting that the Council “deeply regrets any pain caused to the family of the late Raila Odinga and the people of Kenya.”

Resignation and Apology

Facing mounting pressure, Kahiga held a press conference later in the day where he apologized to Raila’s family, ODM supporters, and the people of Nyanza. He also announced his resignation as CoG Vice Chair with immediate effect.

“I want to apologise to the family, the larger ODM, my colleagues, and those in the Nyanza region,” Kahiga said.

“My remarks are personal and not those of the people of Nyeri or the Council of Governors. I am taking responsibility and resigning with immediate effect as the vice chair of the Council of Governors.”

Kahiga, who was elected to the CoG leadership on October 6, 2025, maintained that his comments were taken out of context but admitted they were “inappropriate and regrettable.”

Political Leaders React

Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga sharply criticized Kahiga’s statements, describing them as “primitive, insensitive, and insulting.”

“Governor Kahiga’s remarks represent a new low in our politics,” Wanga said.
“They reflect long-standing ethnic profiling and disdain for the Luo community, which has no place in a nation that Raila Odinga helped to democratize.”

Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Azimio and Kenya Kwanza allies, also condemned the remarks, urging leaders to show restraint and empathy during this period of national mourning.

Nation in Mourning

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s second prime minister and veteran opposition leader, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Kenya and beyond, with leaders describing him as a “giant of democracy” and “a father of modern Kenyan politics.”

President William Ruto declared a national period of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast until Raila’s burial.

Raila was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in a state funeral held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

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Raila Odinga with Kalonzo Musyoka
Politics

Kalonzo Breaks Down in Tribute to Raila Odinga: ‘My Brother, the Unsworn President’

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Former Vice President and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid an emotional tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as “the President who won but was never declared.”

In a heartfelt condolence message released from London, United Kingdom, where he is on a 10-day official visit, Kalonzo said he received the news of Raila’s passing upon arrival at Heathrow International Airport, calling it “devastating and deeply personal.”

“Raila Odinga, fondly referred to as ‘Baba’ by his supporters, was more than an enigma. He was a force of nature that kept going despite all the hurdles put in front of him,” Kalonzo said.

The former Vice President eulogized Raila as a patriot, pan-Africanist, and democrat who sacrificed his freedom and comfort for Kenya’s democracy. He recalled that Raila was the longest-serving political detainee in Kenya’s history, whose courage and resilience defined the nation’s struggle for multiparty democracy.

“At each point of release from detention, he would raise his arms to the heavens, his fist clenched in determination, resolved that the tears and scars he suffered would yield democracy and freedom for Kenya. That is why we call him the Champion of the Second Liberation,” Kalonzo wrote.

Kalonzo described their decades-long political partnership as one built on shared ideals and mutual respect. He recounted working closely with Raila as his running mate in the CORD and NASA coalitions, as well as a partner in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition.

“We learnt a lot from each other and shared a lot of pain together,” he noted, adding that Raila’s role in championing the 2010 Constitution was “instrumental in devolving power from an imperial presidency to a people-centered constitutional order.”

In his message, Kalonzo also extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, and the entire Odinga family — Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — saying that the nation stands in solidarity with them.

“Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office. The loss of Raila Odinga is not only a loss to his family and country, but also to the entire African continent,” Kalonzo said.

He further announced that he would rearrange his schedule in the UK to honor Raila’s memory and participate in the national mourning period once he returns to Kenya.

“I will miss my brother and friend dearly. May God rest the soul of Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in everlasting peace,” Kalonzo concluded.

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