Sakaja, however, stopped short of announcing a political defection, saying he is still consulting and weighing his options before making a final decision on the party he will use to defend his Nairobi seat.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Citizen on Wednesday, August 26, the governor acknowledged that he had held discussions with various groups linked to ODM, including youth, women leaders and Members of Parliament.

“There has been that call. Some officials and party members have said that they want me to move to their party. I have had meetings with the youths who met the other day; women leaders and MPs were also present; you can’t ignore that,” Sakaja said.

The governor said he was taking the calls seriously but maintained that there was no official date for his departure from UDA.

“There is no official date for when we will leave UDA, but the call is there. It is something I am observing, we must also look at what people are saying. If that’s what they want then I am their employee,” he said.

Sakaja linked the renewed speculation over his possible move to ODM to his close relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025.

The governor described Raila as a father figure and said the former ODM leader had also wanted him to join the party before his death.

“In October, we will be marking one year since Raila left us and we were very close, he was like my father, and he also wanted that (to join). We were in touch a lot before his death,” Sakaja said.

The remarks come amid intensified political realignments in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 elections, with ODM leaders openly courting the governor.

In July, ODM Director of Elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed told Sakaja to join the party if he wanted its backing for a second term, arguing that ODM remained a dominant political force in Nairobi.

Sakaja was elected governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket and has since worked closely with President William Ruto’s administration. He has also repeatedly expressed his intention to defend his seat in 2027.

The governor said political decisions must also take into account continuity in governance, arguing that frequent political transitions can disrupt development programmes.

His latest remarks came a day after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed Sakaja was considering moving to ODM, saying the ruling UDA was losing key political figures.

For now, Sakaja remains a UDA member, leaving his next political move as one of the key questions likely to shape the battle for Nairobi ahead of the 2027 polls.

The post Johnson Sakaja Breaks Silence on Possible ODM Move Ahead of 2027 appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Hassan was formally welcomed into DCP by Gachagua at the party’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, marking his departure from the party under which he won the Kamukunji parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Election.

The veteran legislator said his decision to join DCP was driven by what he described as the party’s commitment to progressive leadership, while throwing his weight behind Gachagua’s presidential ambitions.

“Kenyans are hurting because of the high cost of living, and corruption has increased. Kamkunji residents have said they are tired and cannot bear the burden of bad politics,” Hassan said.

He further endorsed Gachagua’s bid for the presidency, signalling his full alignment with the former Deputy President’s political movement ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Gachagua is a nationalist who loves Kenya. And that is what makes a nation better. The journey has started until we win during the elections and create a new government,” he said.

Hassan has also declared his intention to defend his Kamukunji seat for a third term on the DCP ticket, turning the constituency into one of the party’s key political footholds in Nairobi.

His defection gives Gachagua’s party an incumbent MP in Nairobi at a time when DCP is aggressively expanding its presence in the capital and other parts of the country.

The move also comes amid a string of defections from Jubilee to DCP, with Embakasi East MP Mark Muriithi Mwenje and Starehe MP Amos Mwago among politicians who have recently aligned themselves with Gachagua’s party.

Mwenje welcomed Hassan into the new political camp, arguing that Nairobi residents were looking for an alternative political direction.

“It has gotten to a point where we are tired of all this circus. Gachagua is the one to unite us all. We are now in a new beginning with a party that will take us forward,” Mwenje said.

The latest development is likely to intensify political competition in Nairobi as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.

Gachagua, who formally declared his presidential ambitions earlier this month, has been seeking to consolidate DCP as a major opposition vehicle ahead of the polls.

Hassan’s move therefore marks a significant boost for Gachagua in Nairobi while dealing another blow to Jubilee, which continues to lose elected leaders to competing political formations.

The post Yusuf Hassan Dumps Jubilee for Gachagua’s DCP appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Gachagua made the allegations on Monday, August 24, 2026, as he concluded his 56-day political consultations at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader alleged that some IEBC officials were pushing for the procurement of an election results transmission system from a South Korean firm, which he identified as Miru System Company Limited.

“We know they want to do some monkey business. There is a game being played there by the vice chair, who was an official of ODM; she is very close to Hassan Joho,” Gachagua alleged.

He claimed the IEBC vice chairperson, the commission’s chairperson Erastus Ethekon and Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho had links to the company.

“She, the chairman, and Joho have come up with a company called Miru System Company Limited from Korea. They made specs for this tender, tailor-made for this company,” he said.

Gachagua further alleged that the company had a poor record in previous elections where it had participated.

“In all the elections it has participated in, there was failure. We cannot accept this company; it is being pushed by the vice chair of IEBC together with Ethekon,” he said.

He also claimed the government had bought a house in Karen for Ethekon, suggesting that the alleged arrangement was part of a wider attempt to influence the electoral commission.

The allegations come as IEBC continues preparations for the August 2027 General Election, including procurement of technology and other systems that will be used in managing the polls and transmitting results.

Gachagua warned that Kenyans should closely monitor the commission’s procurement processes, arguing that the credibility of the election would depend not only on voting but also on the systems used to transmit and manage results.

He said he would continue investigating the information available to him before making further disclosures.

Gachagua also revisited his fallout with President William Ruto, linking the deterioration of their relationship to the government’s response to the 2024 Gen Z protests.

He claimed his differences with Ruto became irreconcilable after he opposed what he described as instructions to use extreme measures against young protesters.

“When the issue of young people came and he gave instructions that they should be abducted, tortured and, if possible, killed. I said no. I said it is against the 10 commandments: thou shalt not kill,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President said he travelled to Mombasa following Ruto’s June 25, 2024 address in which the President condemned the protests.

“I took a plane and went to Mombasa… The following day, I called for a press conference; I said I did not agree with the decision,” he said.

Gachagua claimed Ruto later called him, abused him and warned him that he would face consequences.

He challenged Gen Z to move beyond criticism of the government on social media and take part in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Criticizing William Ruto on smartphones is not enough, shouting one term is not enough… You must go the extra mile,” he said.

“We do not want to remove Ruto through unconstitutional means; we want him to be around; we want to defeat him at the ballot. People must register as voters and come out and vote.”

Gachagua also launched a fresh attack on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, accusing him of following Ruto’s instructions during the Gen Z protests.

He recalled a telephone conversation he claimed to have had with Kindiki over the government’s response to the demonstrations.

“I called Kindiki; that is why I have very little regard for that man. I said, what you are being told to do, is it right? Is it biblical, is it in accordance with the Constitution?” Gachagua said.

According to Gachagua, Kindiki responded: “Mimi ni lazima nifanye vile rais amesema.”

Gachagua said he then asked Kindiki whether that included abducting and killing young people.

“Akisema sasa kama rais amesema, mimi nitafanya nini? If he refused and I refused, the two of us, probably those boys and girls, would not have died,” he claimed.

Gachagua has previously accused Kindiki of allowing himself to be used by Ruto to divide the Mt Kenya region, deepening the political rivalry between the two leaders.

Gachagua maintained that he would not enter into a political deal with Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I cannot take his money. He cannot bribe me. He cannot intimidate me,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Ruto serves only one term and urged Kenyans opposed to the administration to focus on defeating the President at the ballot.

The conclusion of the Wamunyoro consultations marks a new phase in Gachagua’s political mobilisation.

He is scheduled to travel to the United States on Wednesday with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, for what he has described as a period of solitude and consultations with Kenyans in the diaspora.

His latest claims on IEBC, coupled with his renewed attacks on Ruto and Kindiki, are likely to intensify the political debate over the credibility of the 2027 election and the battle for Kenya’s next government.

The post Gachagua Alleges IEBC Tender Plot, Renews Attack on Ruto and Kindiki Over Gen Z Protests appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Nyoro, who is the leader of the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), spoke on Sunday during a series of engagements in Murang’a, where he urged Kenyans to embrace political maturity and responsible leadership.

Addressing worshippers at St Michael Gathuki-ini ACK Church in his Kiharu constituency, Nyoro said his political ambitions were driven by a desire to address challenges affecting Kenyans, particularly in education, healthcare and employment.

He later addressed residents at Kiriaini in Mathioya and Gakira in Kangema, where he expanded on his vision and announced plans to take his message beyond the Mt Kenya region.

“Thank you Kiriaini,” Nyoro told residents.

The MP promised to push for free basic education, saying the government should ensure that all senior secondary school learners receive free education and meals.

“Free Basic Education. All Senior Secondary Schools must be free from next year including meals,” he said.

Nyoro also identified healthcare financing and job creation among the priorities of his political agenda.

“More funding for healthcare,” he said, adding, “Jobs.”

The lawmaker said his political vehicle would be the People’s Party of Kenya, calling on supporters to identify with the party as he prepares to take his campaign message across the country.

“People’s Party is our Party,” he said.

Nyoro also framed his political vision around Africa, signalling an intention to place economic opportunities on the continent at the centre of his agenda.

“We are African and Africa is our Business,” he said.

The MP said he intended to visit different parts of the country after completing his engagements in Murang’a, with the tours focused on enlightening Kenyans about what he described as a transformative national agenda.

He said he believed Kenya could elect responsible leadership after the 2027 polls.

“I trust in God that after next year Kenya will be able to have leadership that will be responsible for improving citizens’ standard of living,” he said.

Nyoro expressed concern over unemployment among university graduates, saying hundreds of young people from his neighbourhood had completed their studies but were yet to secure employment.

“I plead with Kenyans to support my course that is geared to transform the nation and ensure equality and transparency,” said the PPK leader.

He also called on politicians to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public utterances, saying political leaders should contribute to a mature national conversation.

At Kiriaini market, Nyoro said he felt compelled to seek the support and blessings of his constituents after unveiling his political party.

“All along had been feeling the urge to lead the country thus the need to come out in open and fight for position,” he said.

His announcement marks an expansion of his political activities as he positions himself for a broader national campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, with education, healthcare, employment and economic transformation forming key pillars of his message.

The post Ndindi Nyoro Unveils Nationwide Agenda as He Targets 2027 appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Uhuru spoke on Sunday in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he joined family members, political leaders and residents in marking the 23rd anniversary of the death of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa.

The former President arrived at Wamalwa’s Milimani home to a warm reception, with supporters breaking into song and dance as he was welcomed to the memorial.

He was received by Wamalwa’s brother and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.

Uhuru later proceeded to Wamalwa’s mausoleum, where he laid a wreath and paid tribute to the former Vice President.

He also launched a book titled “My Country First ” documenting Wamalwa’s life and political legacy, for which he wrote the foreword.

Eugene Wamalwa said the publication had taken 23 years to complete.

But it was Uhuru’s remarks on the country’s political landscape that drew the greatest attention during the memorial.

The retired President sought to distance himself from claims that he was backing particular opposition politicians as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said Kenyans should be allowed to freely choose their preferred leaders without interference from political figures.

“It’s the people who will decide. If they say it is Kalonzo, Ruto, Matiang’i, or Sifuna, it will be so. I don’t want to be called a sponsor; I have just said the power belongs to the people,” Uhuru said.

The crowd cheered when Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was mentioned, prompting Uhuru to make a pointed response.

“Jameni chungeni, sitaki kuitwa sponsor,” he said.

Uhuru insisted that his presence at political gatherings or his interaction with opposition leaders should not be interpreted as an indication that he intends to return to active politics.

“People should not say that I am engaging in politics. I don’t have any interest in any seat,” he said.

The former President, who served as Kenya’s Head of State from 2013 to 2022, also reflected on his own political journey, urging politicians seeking elective positions to approach voters with humility.

“If you want votes, ask Kenyans politely; they will give them to you or deny you. I asked them at first and I was denied, I came back again and they voted for me,” Uhuru said.

“I thank God for the years he has given me in leadership. I thank Kenyans for giving me that chance.”

He also challenged political leaders to allow their opponents to campaign freely, warning against attempts to prevent rival groups from holding public meetings.

“I want to ask political leaders to talk to the people peacefully. This thing of stopping rivals from holding meetings should stop,” Uhuru said.

“Kenyans should not be forced to join this faction or that one. Kenyans should choose by themselves.”

His remarks came against the backdrop of growing political activity as parties and prominent leaders position themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.

Uhuru, however, maintained that political leaders should not dictate the choices of voters, saying Kenyans must be allowed to determine their preferred candidates.

He linked his call for political tolerance to Wamalwa’s legacy, describing the late Vice President as a key figure in Kenya’s democratic struggle.

Uhuru described Wamalwa as one of the better angels of our nature and the gentleman of Kenya’s politics.

“We are a democratic society, and those democratic ideals were fought for very hard… And we cannot allow ourselves to go backward,” he said.

Wamalwa served as Kenya’s eighth Vice President under retired President Mwai Kibaki after the National Rainbow Coalition won the 2002 General Election.

He died in London on August 23, 2003, aged 59, after a long illness.

The annual memorial has continued to bring together political leaders from across the country to celebrate his contribution to Kenya’s democratic struggle and political history.

This year’s event brought together Uhuru, Kalonzo, Karua, Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa and other leaders, providing a significant political gathering as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.

Despite the political significance of the gathering, Uhuru maintained that he was not seeking any political seat and that the ultimate decision on Kenya’s next leaders belongs to the electorate.

The post Uhuru Hits Back at Ruto, Says Kenyans Will Choose Their Leader in 2027 appeared first on Insider Bits News.

The countdown to Kenya’s next General Election has entered a new phase after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) formally commenced the election period through a Gazette Notice setting out the roadmap to the August 10, 2027 polls.

Gazette Notice No. 13497, published in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVIII–No. 144 on August 20, 2026, formally brought the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Election Offences Act into force for the election period.

The notice effectively moves the country from political positioning to a legally defined electoral timetable, with parties, prospective candidates and other stakeholders now required to work within a series of deadlines stretching from October this year to the eve of the polls.

The 2027 General Election will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2027, when Kenyans will elect the President, Members of the National Assembly, Senators, Governors, County Woman Representatives and Members of County Assemblies.

One of the earliest deadlines falls on October 15, 2026, when political parties intending to participate in the election must notify the IEBC by submitting the names of authorised persons and their specimen signatures.

The requirement is expected to trigger heightened activity within political parties as they begin positioning themselves for nominations and the wider electoral contest.

By October 30, 2026, political parties must have their nomination rules certified by the Registrar of Political Parties.

The certified nomination rules must subsequently be submitted to the IEBC by November 6, 2026.

The deadlines place political parties under pressure to complete their internal preparations early, particularly as nominations are expected to be among the most contentious stages of the electoral cycle.

The election calendar also sets a critical deadline for public officers planning to enter the political contest.

Public officers seeking elective positions will be required to resign from public office by February 10, 2027, six months before Election Day.

The requirement means senior government officials, State officers and other public servants contemplating a political career will have to make their decisions early next year.

Political parties will also face another crucial phase in early 2027 as they prepare their membership registers ahead of nominations.

The IEBC calendar provides timelines for parties to submit their membership lists and details relating to their internal party primaries.

Available reporting on the gazetted calendar places the submission of party membership lists to the IEBC on March 16, 2027, while the Registrar of Political Parties is expected to certify the lists before submission.

The membership lists will be critical because they will form the basis for determining who is eligible to participate in party primaries.

The process is likely to become a major political battleground as competing factions seek control of party structures ahead of nominations.

The calendar gives political parties until May 8, 2027, to conclude their primaries and resolve resulting internal disputes.

Independent candidates will also have until the same date to meet requirements, including demonstrating that they are not members of a registered political party and submitting their names and symbols to the IEBC.

For presidential aspirants, another demanding requirement comes on May 24, 2027, when they must submit a list containing the names, signatures and identification details of at least 2,000 registered voters from a majority of Kenya’s counties.

The formal registration of candidates will begin on May 29, 2027, with different elective positions allocated specific registration windows.

Presidential candidates will be registered between May 29 and June 11.

National Assembly candidates will be registered between May 29 and June 1, while Senate candidates will have their registration window between May 29 and June 2.

Governors will be registered between June 3 and June 6, while County Assembly candidates will be registered between June 2 and June 11.

Candidates for the position of County Woman Representative will be registered between June 7 and June 11.

The commission has also set a strict timeline for disputes arising from nominations.

Such disputes must be lodged within 24 hours of the occurrence and, in any event, not later than June 12, 2027.

The IEBC is expected to conclude the resolution of nomination disputes by June 23, 2027.

The gazetted calendar also draws a line between political mobilisation and lawful campaigning.

The official campaign period will commence on May 29, 2027, and end on August 7, 2027, three days before Kenyans head to the ballot.

IEBC has warned political actors against campaigning outside the prescribed period, including the use of posters, billboards, caravans and other campaign activities.

The warning is significant given the tendency of political actors to begin positioning themselves years before an election, with political rallies, alliances and grassroots mobilisation often taking place long before the formal campaign period.

With the election period formally commenced, the Election Offences Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct now provide the legal framework governing the conduct of political actors and other participants.

The law targets conduct that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process, including bribery, violence, intimidation, multiple voting and interference with election processes.

The Electoral Code of Conduct also provides for sanctions against participants who breach its provisions.

These include warnings, fines, restrictions relating to public media allocated for electoral purposes and restrictions on public meetings, demonstrations or marches.

The commission has separately warned political actors against unauthorised use of the IEBC logo on campaign materials.

The electoral body said such use could create the impression that the commission has endorsed a candidate, party or political activity, undermining its independence and non-partisan role.

Those using the logo without authorisation have been directed to remove the offending materials.

Beyond political parties and candidates, IEBC says the credibility of the 2027 election will depend heavily on the quality of the voters’ register.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has described a clean, accurate and verifiable register as the foundation of a credible election.

The commission said Continuous Voter Registration, which began on September 29, 2025, remains ongoing, allowing eligible Kenyans to register, transfer their registration and update their particulars.

As of August 20, 2026, IEBC said 2,936,516 Kenyans had registered as voters through the ongoing exercise, while the commission projects a 2027 register of approximately 28.5 million voters.

The commission is also expanding voter registration for Kenyans living abroad, with the number of countries targeted for diaspora registration increasing from 12 to 26.

The 2027 contest will also be governed by campaign-financing rules.

IEBC has already gazetted the Election Campaign Financing Regulations 2026 and contribution and spending limits for the 2027 General Election.

The framework regulates contributions, expenditure, record-keeping, disclosure, reporting and accountability by political parties, candidates, campaign teams and donors.

The gazettement comes against the backdrop of an unresolved legal debate over the constitutional timing of the next presidential election.

IEBC acknowledged the judgment in the Malindi High Court case in which the court considered the interpretation of Article 136(2)(a) of the Constitution and held that the presidential election was constitutionally due on August 11, 2026.

However, the court suspended the effect of its decision until the next General Election scheduled for August 10, 2027.

IEBC said the matter remains subject to applicable appellate and constitutional processes.

The commission has nevertheless continued preparations for the 2027 polls and has formally placed the electoral process on the timetable contained in the Gazette.

With the publication of Gazette Notice No. 13497, the 2027 election is no longer simply a political projection on the horizon.

For political parties, the first major test comes in October, followed by a succession of deadlines covering party rules, membership lists, nominations, candidate registration and campaigns.

For aspirants, the calendar offers a clear timetable, and little room for missed deadlines.

For voters, the message from IEBC is equally significant: registration and verification of voter details should be completed early, while political actors and their supporters are expected to conduct themselves within the law.

The road to August 10, 2027, has officially begun.

The post IEBC Gazettes 2027 Election Timelines, Sets Key Deadlines for Parties and Aspirants appeared first on Insider Bits News.

The church service marks the beginning of an action-packed Sunday programme that will see Sifuna and his allies make several public stops across the county as the movement intensifies grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to the programme released by the movement, the team was expected to begin the day with the morning service at the ACK Cathedral in Mumias before proceeding to a series of political engagements and public rallies in different constituencies.

The itinerary places the Linda Mwananchi team in Mumias West, Matungu, Navakholo and Likuyani, where the leaders are expected to meet residents and address public gatherings later in the day.

The Sunday tour follows a busy first day on Saturday, when the Sifuna-led team traversed parts of Kakamega County, including Butere and Ikolomani constituencies, as the movement sought to expand its support base in Western Kenya.

Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi brigade have in recent weeks stepped up nationwide tours, presenting the movement as a grassroots platform focused on citizen mobilisation and civic engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The movement has also attracted growing attention following the launch of a public fundraising drive, which organisers said raised more than Sh2.2 million within 36 hours, with the money earmarked for mobilisation, civic education and other activities.

On Saturday, Sifuna told supporters in Kakamega that he was encouraged by what he described as growing public awareness of the power held by ordinary Kenyans.

The Nairobi Senator said he was proud that Kenyans had realised that they were more powerful than the leaders they elect to represent them, as the Linda Mwananchi movement continued its push for greater citizen participation in governance.

Sunday’s church appearance comes as the political movement continues to draw attention over the growing calls by some of its supporters and leaders for Sifuna to consider a presidential bid in the 2027 General Election.

The movement’s latest tour of Kakamega is being closely watched as Sifuna and his allies seek to consolidate support in Western Kenya, a region expected to play a crucial role in the battle for votes ahead of the next General Election.

The Linda Mwananchi team is expected to continue its countywide engagements throughout Sunday, with political addresses and meetings with residents forming the core of the second day of the Kakamega tour.

The post Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Team Begins Day Two of Kakamega Tour at Mumias Cathedral appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator stressed that he remains true to the voices of ordinary Kenyans and that his leadership reflects their aspirations.

“You are the ones who sent me,” Sifuna declared, highlighting that his positions come from the people he represents, even as critics threaten his position within the party.

Taking a firm stance against aligning with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Sifuna told the crowd that the group would not support policies that do not align with ODM’s values or the late Raila Odinga’s vision.

He also challenged those who once doubted the rally’s success, quoting opponents who said, “we will not enter Busia, where are we now?” to applause from supporters.

Thousands of supporters turned up at the Busia event as part of the newly launched Linda Mwananchi tour, a grassroots mobilisation initiative aimed at strengthening the party’s base and charting its direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna’s remarks come amid escalating internal debates within ODM over cooperation with the national government and the route the party should take as it prepares for future elections

The post Edwin Sifuna Rallies ODM in Busia, Rejects UDA Tie-Up Ahead of 2027 appeared first on Insider Bits News.

The vocal legislator, addressing a charged crowd alongside ODM leaders including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, criticized party colleagues who have shifted focus from grassroots activism to what he termed corporate interests.

“The party we have now is ODM Limited. It is a company that now focuses on making money,”Babu declared, drawing attention to how the party has drifted from its activist roots.

The MP pointed to the success of past protests, noting how the demonstrations have influenced political appointments and government policy.

“We are now being told that the party cannot produce a presidential candidate, nor does it want a deputy presidential position,” he stated, highlighting what he sees as a retreat from the party’s original mission.

Babu’s stance comes from his consistent record of joining protesters on the streets, actions that have previously cost him his security detail and brought him into confrontation with government authorities.

He also issued a stern warning to sections of the ODM senior leadership, telling supporters that the party’s grassroots would “deal with” leaders he accused of betraying its core ideals.

The Embakasi East MP said the movement belongs to ordinary members and vowed that any internal attempts to “sell out” the party would be fiercely resisted.

“I want to warn the ODM senior leadership, if you betray the party and its supporters, we will deal with you. ODM belongs to the people, not a few individuals,” the MP stated

The Linda Mwananchi Tour represents a new chapter in ODM’s internal struggle, with dissidents using the platform to challenge current party direction and reaffirm their commitment to street activism as a catalyst for political transformation.

The tour is expected to continue across various counties as the faction seeks to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The post Babu Owino: Kenyans Will Picket and Demonstrate Because It Brings Change appeared first on Insider Bits News.

In a statement released Saturday, Musyoka outlined what he describes as a deliberate attempt to undermine multiparty democracy in Kenya, alleging that despite following all legal procedures, the government prevented the gazettement of new AZIMIO leadership appointments scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026.

According to Musyoka, three key appointments were legally made and duly accepted by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, with Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka serving as Party Leader, Caroli Omondi as Secretary General, and Philip Kisia as Executive Director.

“The facts are simple,” Musyoka stated. “Our changes were legally appointed. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties accepted our changes. Local dailies published them last week.”

The former Vice President claims that despite this regulatory approval and public announcement, State House directly instructed the Government Printer to block the official gazette publication that would formalize these changes.

Musyoka drew particular attention to what he sees as a fundamental breach of commitments made during the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) talks, which he co-chaired.

Among the 10 agenda items agreed upon was “Fidelity to the law on multiparty democracy.”

“I co-chaired those talks in good faith, believing we were building consensus on strengthening Kenya’s democratic institutions,” Musyoka said.

“Yet here we are, watching the same administration undermine the very principles we agreed upon.”

The NADCO talks were established to address political tensions following the 2022 elections and to strengthen Kenya’s democratic framework.

The AZIMIO leader framed the incident as part of what he describes as a consistent pattern by President William Ruto’s administration to weaken opposition structures.

“Ruto has consistently undermined opposition parties and coalitions,” Musyoka charged.

“This is yet another example of using state machinery to weaken political competition rather than competing on ideas and track record.”

He warned that the implications extend beyond AZIMIO itself: “When State House can arbitrarily stop the publication of legally constituted political party leadership, it’s not just AZIMIO under attack, it’s Kenya’s multiparty democracy itself.”

Musyoka announced that AZIMIO would pursue all available legal avenues to ensure the leadership changes are officially recognized.

“We will pursue all legal avenues to ensure our rightful leadership is gazetted,” he declared. “Democracy cannot function when those in power manipulate the rules to silence dissent.”

The post State House Blocks AZIMIO Leadership Changes, Musyoka Alleges Democratic Interference appeared first on Insider Bits News.