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		<title>Edwin Sifuna Rallies ODM in Busia, Rejects UDA Tie-Up Ahead of 2027</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/edwin-sifuna-rallies-odm-in-busia-rejects-uda-tie-up-ahead-of-2027/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:39:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2027 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Busia Stadium]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edwin Sifuna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan political news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM grassroots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM rally]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM unity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UDA alliance rejected]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4620</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At a packed rally in Busia Stadium on Sunday, ODM Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna took to the podium to reaffirm his commitment to the party’s core principles and the grassroots members who elected him. Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator stressed that he remains true to the voices of ordinary Kenyans and that his leadership reflects their aspirations. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/edwin-sifuna-rallies-odm-in-busia-rejects-uda-tie-up-ahead-of-2027/">Edwin Sifuna Rallies ODM in Busia, Rejects UDA Tie-Up Ahead of 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="278" data-end="648">At a packed rally in Busia Stadium on Sunday, ODM Secretary‑General Edwin Sifuna took to the podium to reaffirm his commitment to the party’s core principles and the grassroots members who elected him.</p>
<p data-start="278" data-end="648">Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator stressed that he remains true to the voices of ordinary Kenyans and that his leadership reflects their aspirations.</p>
<p data-start="650" data-end="860">“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.</p>
<p data-start="862" data-end="1140">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.</p>
<p data-start="1142" data-end="1347">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.</p>
<p data-start="1349" data-end="1638">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.</p>
<p data-start="1640" data-end="1862">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</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/edwin-sifuna-rallies-odm-in-busia-rejects-uda-tie-up-ahead-of-2027/">Edwin Sifuna Rallies ODM in Busia, Rejects UDA Tie-Up Ahead of 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Babu Owino: Kenyans Will Picket and Demonstrate Because It Brings Change</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/babu-owino-kenyans-will-picket-and-demonstrate-because-it-brings-change/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:27:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Babu Owino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Embakasi East MP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grassroots activism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan political news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM warning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party loyalty]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4616</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has reinforced his unwavering belief that picketing and demonstrations remain essential tools for driving change in Kenya, speaking during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Tour in Busia on Sunday, February 8. The vocal legislator, addressing a charged crowd alongside ODM leaders including Siaya Governor James Orengo and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/babu-owino-kenyans-will-picket-and-demonstrate-because-it-brings-change/">Babu Owino: Kenyans Will Picket and Demonstrate Because It Brings Change</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has reinforced his unwavering belief that picketing and demonstrations remain essential tools for driving change in Kenya, speaking during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Tour in Busia on Sunday, February 8.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The party we have now is ODM Limited. It is a company that now focuses on making money,&#8221;Babu declared, drawing attention to how the party has drifted from its activist roots.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The MP pointed to the success of past protests, noting how the demonstrations have influenced political appointments and government policy.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;We are now being told that the party cannot produce a presidential candidate, nor does it want a deputy presidential position,&#8221; he stated, highlighting what he sees as a retreat from the party&#8217;s original mission.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Babu&#8217;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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Linda Mwananchi Tour represents a new chapter in ODM&#8217;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.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The tour is expected to continue across various counties as the faction seeks to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/babu-owino-kenyans-will-picket-and-demonstrate-because-it-brings-change/">Babu Owino: Kenyans Will Picket and Demonstrate Because It Brings Change</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>State House Blocks AZIMIO Leadership Changes, Musyoka Alleges Democratic Interference</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/state-house-blocks-azimio-leadership-changes-musyoka-alleges-democratic-interference/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:27:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AZIMIO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AZIMIO appointments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caroli Omondi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Gazette]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan democracy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan legal action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[multiparty democracy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NADCO commitments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philip Kisia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[political controversy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[political leadership dispute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State House interference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[William Ruto]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4598</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>AZIMIO coalition party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the Kenyan government of directly interfering with his coalition&#8217;s internal democratic processes, claiming State House blocked the official publication of legitimate leadership changes in the Kenya Gazette. In a statement released Saturday, Musyoka outlined what he describes as a deliberate attempt to undermine multiparty democracy in [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/state-house-blocks-azimio-leadership-changes-musyoka-alleges-democratic-interference/">State House Blocks AZIMIO Leadership Changes, Musyoka Alleges Democratic Interference</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">AZIMIO coalition party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the Kenyan government of directly interfering with his coalition&#8217;s internal democratic processes, claiming State House blocked the official publication of legitimate leadership changes in the Kenya Gazette.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The facts are simple,&#8221; Musyoka stated. &#8220;Our changes were legally appointed. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties accepted our changes. Local dailies published them last week.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Among the 10 agenda items agreed upon was &#8220;Fidelity to the law on multiparty democracy.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;I co-chaired those talks in good faith, believing we were building consensus on strengthening Kenya&#8217;s democratic institutions,&#8221; Musyoka said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;Yet here we are, watching the same administration undermine the very principles we agreed upon.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The NADCO talks were established to address political tensions following the 2022 elections and to strengthen Kenya&#8217;s democratic framework.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The AZIMIO leader framed the incident as part of what he describes as a consistent pattern by President William Ruto&#8217;s administration to weaken opposition structures.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;Ruto has consistently undermined opposition parties and coalitions,&#8221; Musyoka charged.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;This is yet another example of using state machinery to weaken political competition rather than competing on ideas and track record.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">He warned that the implications extend beyond AZIMIO itself: &#8220;When State House can arbitrarily stop the publication of legally constituted political party leadership, it&#8217;s not just AZIMIO under attack, it&#8217;s Kenya&#8217;s multiparty democracy itself.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Musyoka announced that AZIMIO would pursue all available legal avenues to ensure the leadership changes are officially recognized.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;We will pursue all legal avenues to ensure our rightful leadership is gazetted,&#8221; he declared. &#8220;Democracy cannot function when those in power manipulate the rules to silence dissent.&#8221;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/state-house-blocks-azimio-leadership-changes-musyoka-alleges-democratic-interference/">State House Blocks AZIMIO Leadership Changes, Musyoka Alleges Democratic Interference</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>&#8220;Not Procedural&#8221;: Sifuna Declares Oburu&#8217;s ODM Installation Unconstitutional</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/not-procedural-sifuna-declares-oburus-odm-installation-unconstitutional/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:14:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edwin Sifuna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan opposition politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Linda Ground forums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nairobi Senator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oburu Oginga]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM constitutional crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM succession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party leadership dispute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[political succession Kenya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Raila Odinga death]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4576</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence on the controversial installation of Oburu Oginga as Orange Democratic Movement interim party leader, declaring the process unconstitutional and calling for proper adherence to party rules. In a candid interview on a local TV station that aired Tuesday, February 4, 2026, the ODM Secretary-General challenged the legitimacy [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/not-procedural-sifuna-declares-oburus-odm-installation-unconstitutional/">&#8220;Not Procedural&#8221;: Sifuna Declares Oburu&#8217;s ODM Installation Unconstitutional</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has broken his silence on the controversial installation of Oburu Oginga as Orange Democratic Movement interim party leader, declaring the process unconstitutional and calling for proper adherence to party rules.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a candid interview on a local TV station that aired Tuesday, February 4, 2026, the ODM Secretary-General challenged the legitimacy of the succession process that followed the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in October 2025.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The installation of Oburu Oginga as interim party leader was not procedural in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,&#8221; Sifuna stated emphatically during the interview.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;What I would have advised had I been in that meeting is allow one of the deputies they can even act for one month and in 3 months&#8217; time, call for a special NDC and do it procedurally and properly.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Nairobi Senator revealed he was absent from the crucial meeting where Oburu was installed as interim leader.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;I was not in that meeting because I was going to fetch my party leader to bring Baba back home. I don&#8217;t think anybody considers me important enough to be waited upon and they have their reasons why they did it in the manner they did,&#8221; he explained.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">According to Sifuna, Article 17 of the ODM constitution stipulates that deputy party leaders should perform duties in rotation until a National Delegates Convention (NDC) is convened to elect a leader.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;We had three deputy party leaders. They should have agreed on a rotation until the party formally elected a new leader through the NDC,&#8221; Sifuna said, emphasizing that following constitutional procedures is necessary to legitimize Oburu&#8217;s leadership.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The three deputy party leaders at the time were Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Under proper procedure, Sifuna argues, any of these officials should have temporarily assumed leadership duties until a special National Delegates Convention could be convened.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The succession controversy has exposed deep fissures within ODM.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Sifuna has also raised eyebrows over the funding of the controversial &#8220;Linda Ground&#8221; forums being conducted by the Oburu-Gladys Wanga faction across the country.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;I can state authoritatively here that the money and the resources you see being spent in those ODM rallies, the so-called Linda Ground forums, are not coming from ODM headquarters,&#8221; Sifuna declared.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">As one of the party&#8217;s official signatories to the party bank account, he confirmed he has not signed off on any funds for these activities.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Linda Ground initiative has been holding consultative forums in Kakamega, Busia, Kisii and Nyamira counties, ostensibly to gather views from ODM delegates on whether the party should enter pre-coalition talks with President William Ruto&#8217;s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Despite speculation about his imminent removal as Secretary-General, Sifuna remained defiant about his position within the party.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;I am in ODM, and nobody can kick me out of ODM. I have no intention of leaving. You don&#8217;t have to be an official to be a member of the party,&#8221; he stated firmly.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">When pressed about the possibility of being ousted at a future NDC, Sifuna displayed remarkable equanimity.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;It is okay. There is nowhere it is written that Sifuna can be the only one who is SG,&#8221; he observed, adding that &#8220;I have young people in ODM who, I know for a fact, if they are given the opportunity, they can do this job even better than Sifuna or all the other SGs that have served before.&#8221;</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The succession drama traces back to October 15, 2025, when Raila Odinga collapsed during a morning walk at a health facility in Kerala, India, where he was receiving treatment for diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. He died from cardiac arrest at age 80.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Oburu Oginga, Raila&#8217;s elder brother and Siaya Senator, was swiftly installed as interim party leader by the National Executive Council (NEC) shortly after Raila&#8217;s death.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The appointment was later ratified by the National Governing Council (NGC) on November 13, 2025, ahead of the party&#8217;s 20th anniversary celebrations.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">However, critics like Sifuna argue that the process bypassed proper constitutional channels and created a legitimacy crisis within Kenya&#8217;s main opposition party.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The constitutional battle within ODM comes at a crucial time as the party navigates potential pre-coalition talks with the ruling UDA party ahead of the 2027 general elections.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The split between Sifuna and the Oburu-Wanga faction reflects deeper divisions over the party&#8217;s direction and its relationship with President Ruto&#8217;s government.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Sifuna has been a vocal critic of any alliance with UDA, emphasizing values-based politics over transactional arrangements.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;ODM values are supremacy of party members, social and economic justice, respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law, respect for individual and people&#8217;s rights and freedoms, democratic governance, and people&#8217;s participation. Any partner must mirror these values,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The unfolding drama within ODM will likely intensify as the party prepares for what could be a contentious National Delegates Convention, where leadership positions, including Sifuna&#8217;s role as Secretary-General, may be decided by delegates rather than party bosses.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">For now, the constitutional purist from Nairobi remains unbowed, insisting on proper procedure even as the party leadership he helped build appears ready to move on without him.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/not-procedural-sifuna-declares-oburus-odm-installation-unconstitutional/">&#8220;Not Procedural&#8221;: Sifuna Declares Oburu&#8217;s ODM Installation Unconstitutional</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Wamuchomba Declares Unwavering Support for Ruto&#8217;s 2027 Re-election Bid</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/wamuchomba-declares-unwavering-support-for-rutos-2027-re-election-bid/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:36:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2027 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gathoni Wamuchomba]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Githunguri MP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Kwanza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan MPs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mt Kenya politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[political endorsement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UDA party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[William Ruto]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4484</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In a bold political declaration that has set tongues wagging across Kenya&#8217;s political circles, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has thrown her full weight behind President William Ruto&#8217;s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The outspoken legislator took to her official X account on Monday, January 26, 2026, posting a video that [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/wamuchomba-declares-unwavering-support-for-rutos-2027-re-election-bid/">Wamuchomba Declares Unwavering Support for Ruto&#8217;s 2027 Re-election Bid</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a bold political declaration that has set tongues wagging across Kenya&#8217;s political circles, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has thrown her full weight behind President William Ruto&#8217;s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The outspoken legislator took to her official X account on Monday, January 26, 2026, posting a video that left no room for ambiguity about her political loyalties.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In the clip that has since gone viral, Wamuchomba posted a photos showing dressed in UDA party outfits and outlined her ambitious political roadmap while cementing her allegiance to the President.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;Yangu ni three term ya Rais ni two term twende kazi bila kelele,&#8221; Wamuchomba declared in the video, her voice brimming with confidence and determination.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The statement, delivered in Swahili, translates to a clear message: while she pursues a three-term journey representing Githunguri Constituency, she&#8217;s committed to ensuring President Ruto secures his two terms in office.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Her rallying cry of &#8220;twende kazi bila kelele&#8221; (let&#8217;s work without noise) has particularly resonated with her followers, signaling a no-nonsense approach to governance and political engagement.</p>
<p>On her part, the Githunguri Member of Parliament, while maintaining her support for President Ruto, insisted on actualising her 2026 resolution, which she announced to be more developmental with politics aside.</p>
<p>“Yeah i have decided this year i want maendeleo na kazi, siasa tutapiga baadaye,” she added.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<figure id="attachment_4486" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4486" style="width: 1280px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-4486" src="https://insiderbits.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MP-Wamuchomba-alongoside-UDA-Party-leaders-at-state-house-insiderbitsnews.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="854" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4486" class="wp-caption-text">MP Gathoni Wamuchomba (in blue necklace) alongside other UDA Party leaders at State House meeting.PHOTO/@WilliamsRuto/X,</figcaption></figure>
<p>Drapped in a United Democratic Alliance scarf, Wamuchomba announced she feels at home.</p>
<p>“Niko nyumbani niko State House kwa UDA,” Wamuchomba firmly stated.</p>
<p>Her remarks come just months after she questioned the excitement that teachers showed when they danced with President William Ruto at State House, saying the reality of their pay slips does not match the jubilation.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Wamuchomba&#8217;s public endorsement comes at a critical juncture in Kenya&#8217;s political calendar, as various camps begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Her declaration is significant, given her reputation as a vocal and sometimes controversial figure in Parliament who doesn&#8217;t shy away from speaking her mind.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Githunguri MP&#8217;s statement appears to be a strategic move to align herself firmly with the Kenya Kwanza administration, potentially positioning herself for greater influence within the ruling coalition.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">By publicly committing to Ruto&#8217;s re-election bid while simultaneously announcing her own three-term ambition, Wamuchomba is signaling her intention to be a long-term political player in both constituency and national politics.</p>
<p>At the time, the Githunguri Member of Parliament went on to say that she found it surprising to see civil servants celebrating at State House when they continue to face frustrations caused by multiple salary deductions.</p>
<p><em>“</em>I saw teachers dancing with the president, very excited. Kwani, what did he give them? Did he remove the house levy, or did he give them a waiver? I was not on the news all day<em>,</em>” Wamuchomba posted on her official X account on Saturday, September 13, 2025.</p>
<p>“I get surprised when I see civil servants dancing in the Statehouse, yet their pay slips are punched,” she added.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Political analysts have been quick to weigh in on the implications of her announcement.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Some view it as a calculated political gamble that could pay dividends if Ruto&#8217;s popularity remains strong leading up to 2027.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Others see it as an early attempt to secure her political base in Githunguri by associating herself with the presidency.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The timing of Wamuchomba&#8217;s endorsement is particularly noteworthy.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">With over a year still remaining before the 2027 general elections, her early declaration could influence other politicians in the Mt.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Kenya region to publicly declare their positions. The region has historically been a crucial voting bloc in Kenyan elections, making such endorsements politically significant.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Her call for &#8220;kazi bila kelele&#8221; (work without noise) also appears to be a subtle dig at opposition politicians who she may perceive as focusing more on rhetoric than delivery.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">This messaging aligns with the Kenya Kwanza government&#8217;s narrative of prioritizing development and service delivery over political grandstanding.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">As country&#8217;s political temperature gradually rises ahead of the 2027 polls, Wamuchomba&#8217;s declaration serves as a reminder that campaign season is unofficially underway.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Whether her bold pronouncement will translate into sustained political capital for both herself and President Ruto remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Gathoni Wamuchomba has firmly planted her flag in the Ruto camp.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The coming months will reveal whether other MPs follow her lead or chart different political courses as the nation inches closer to another crucial electoral showdown.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/wamuchomba-declares-unwavering-support-for-rutos-2027-re-election-bid/">Wamuchomba Declares Unwavering Support for Ruto&#8217;s 2027 Re-election Bid</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Waiguru Claims UDA Regaining Mt. Kenya Grip as Defectors Return</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/waiguru-claims-uda-regaining-mt-kenya-grip-as-defectors-return/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:49:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2027 general election]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anne Waiguru]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[county assembly members]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grassroots mobilisation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Kwanza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kirinyaga Governor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kirinyaga politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MCAs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mount Kenya politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mt Kenya region]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ruto re-election bid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UDA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UDA grassroots campaign]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Democratic Alliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[William Ruto]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4452</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has declared that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is clawing back lost ground in Mt. Kenya, with rebel leaders who abandoned the party now retreating to the fold. Speaking during a high-stakes luncheon with party polling station leaders at her Kianyaga residence on Friday, Waiguru claimed the ruling party&#8217;s aggressive grassroots [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/waiguru-claims-uda-regaining-mt-kenya-grip-as-defectors-return/">Waiguru Claims UDA Regaining Mt. Kenya Grip as Defectors Return</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has declared that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is clawing back lost ground in Mt. Kenya, with rebel leaders who abandoned the party now retreating to the fold.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking during a high-stakes luncheon with party polling station leaders at her Kianyaga residence on Friday, Waiguru claimed the ruling party&#8217;s aggressive grassroots mobilization campaign is finally paying dividends in the politically volatile region.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The ongoing effort to consolidate the party&#8217;s grassroots support is bearing fruit,&#8221; Waiguru told the gathering, which saw even previously lukewarm county assembly members publicly pledge allegiance to UDA and President William Ruto&#8217;s 2027 re-election bid.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The governor, who has emerged as one of Ruto&#8217;s key point persons in the Mount Kenya region, issued a stark warning that the area has no business flirting with the opposition.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The region has no place in opposition,&#8221; Waiguru declared, vowing to ensure residents &#8220;speak in one voice&#8221; ahead of the next general election.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The luncheon, which brought together polling station officials and Members of County Assembly, marked a significant show of force for UDA in Kirinyaga, a county that has witnessed growing discontent with the Kenya Kwanza administration over economic hardships and unfulfilled campaign promises.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Several MCAs who had previously maintained a studied distance from the party used the platform to publicly declare their support, signaling what Waiguru presented as a political realignment in her favor.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The timing of the event is crucial, coming amid intensifying jostling for Mt. Kenya&#8217;s political soul, with various leaders positioning themselves as the region&#8217;s kingpins in Ruto&#8217;s succession matrix.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Waiguru&#8217;s assertion that defectors are returning to UDA contradicts the narrative pushed by opposition figures and some Kenya Kwanza rebels who claim the region is increasingly disenchanted with Ruto&#8217;s presidency.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The governor&#8217;s aggressive stance appears designed to counter Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other regional power brokers who have been mobilizing their own political bases, creating multiple competing power centers in the President&#8217;s own backyard.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Whether Waiguru&#8217;s optimistic assessment reflects genuine political momentum or wishful thinking remains to be seen, but her bold declaration that Mt. Kenya has &#8220;no place in opposition&#8221; will undoubtedly intensify the region&#8217;s already heated political discourse.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">As the 2027 elections draw closer, the battle for Mt. Kenya&#8217;s estimated four million votes is shaping up to be the defining contest in Kenyan politics, with Waiguru now firmly planting her flag in Ruto&#8217;s corner.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/waiguru-claims-uda-regaining-mt-kenya-grip-as-defectors-return/">Waiguru Claims UDA Regaining Mt. Kenya Grip as Defectors Return</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>UDA Dismisses Court Ruling on ANC Merger as &#8220;Fiction&#8221;</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/uda-dismisses-court-ruling-on-anc-merger-as-fiction/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:23:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2027 Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alliance for National Change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ANC party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BETA agenda]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gazette Notice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[High Court ruling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Issa Timamy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lamu Governor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Musalia Mudavadi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[political parties merger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Registrar of Political Parties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UDA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Democratic Alliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[William Ruto]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4441</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>President William Ruto&#8217;s party United Democratic Alliance has fired back at Thursday&#8217;s High Court ruling that nullified its merger with the Alliance for National Change, describing the judgment as addressing &#8220;a matter that events have overtaken.&#8221; In a statement released Friday, UDA&#8217;s 2nd Deputy Party Leader and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy declared the court&#8217;s finding [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/uda-dismisses-court-ruling-on-anc-merger-as-fiction/">UDA Dismisses Court Ruling on ANC Merger as &#8220;Fiction&#8221;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id=":456" class="Am aiL Al editable LW-avf tS-tW tS-tY" tabindex="1" role="textbox" contenteditable="true" spellcheck="false" aria-label="Message Body" aria-multiline="true" aria-owns=":47l" aria-controls=":47l" aria-expanded="false">
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">President William Ruto&#8217;s party United Democratic Alliance has fired back at Thursday&#8217;s High Court ruling that nullified its merger with the Alliance for National Change, describing the judgment as addressing &#8220;a matter that events have overtaken.&#8221;</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">In a statement released Friday, UDA&#8217;s 2nd Deputy Party Leader and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy declared the court&#8217;s finding fundamentally mischaracterized what actually transpired between the two parties.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;I would like to state categorically that the court ruling on the purported ANC-UDA merger is a matter that events have overtaken,&#8221; Timamy said, challenging the core premise of the legal challenge.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The governor drew attention to official records showing ANC dissolved itself through internal party processes nearly a year ago, arguing this makes talk of any merger legally meaningless.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;For the record, on March 14, 2025, vide a Gazette Notice No 3449, the then Registrar of Political parties, Ms. Ann Nderitu, notified all and sundry that &#8216;Pursuant to section 9 and 34C of the Political parties Act, Cap. 7 D, and paragraph 22, of the Second schedule to the Political Parties Act,&#8217; that ANC at its Special National Delegates Congress on 7th February, 2025, in line with the party constitution, dissolved,&#8221; the statement read.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">Timamy emphasized this was a critical legal distinction that undermined the entire court case.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;Clearly, what was done was a voluntary dissolution by the ANC party by its members, and therefore, the matter of the ANC Party having &#8216;merged&#8217; with UDA is, with respect, not factual. In fact, and in law, there was never a merger between the two political parties,&#8221; he stated.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The governor suggested the court and litigants failed to properly examine official records before proceeding. &#8220;A casual reference to the Gazette Notice, as stated above, should have helped,&#8221; he added.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">Taking direct aim at the ruling&#8217;s language, Timamy dismissed the notion that anything had been nullified.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;Consequently, to state that the &#8216;merger&#8217; has been declared &#8216;unlawful&#8217; by the court is to scribble yet another fiction. You cannot nullify a decision that never was in the first place!&#8221; he declared.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">According to the UDA position, once ANC dissolved itself, all subsequent actions followed proper legal channels.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;After the dissolution, all ANC assets were lawfully transferred to the UDA, and the dissolved ANC&#8217;s members were fully integrated into the UDA following due process and established legal procedures. There exists no parallel structure, no competing claim and no legal or operational ambiguity whatsoever,&#8221; Timamy stated.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The response comes as President Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi face questions about their 2027 electoral strategy following Thursday&#8217;s court decision.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">However, UDA appears unbowed by the legal setback.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;As members of the UDA, our priority is to protect the integrity of the party, consolidate unity and mobilize our members as we work decisively towards the re-election of H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto,&#8221; Timamy said.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">He concluded by redirecting focus toward the government&#8217;s development agenda.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;Our focus remains on delivering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and ensuring real, measurable development outcomes for the people of Kenya,&#8221; the statement read.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The party has not indicated whether it plans to appeal Thursday&#8217;s ruling or seek other legal remedies, but the defiant tone suggests UDA intends to proceed as if the judgment carries no practical effect on its operations or membership structure.</p>
</div>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/uda-dismisses-court-ruling-on-anc-merger-as-fiction/">UDA Dismisses Court Ruling on ANC Merger as &#8220;Fiction&#8221;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>UDA Party Greenlights Coalition Talks with ODM Ahead of 2027 Elections</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/uda-party-greenlights-coalition-talks-with-odm-ahead-of-2027-elections/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:58:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2027 General Elections Kenya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya Kwanza Coalition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM Party (Orange Democratic Movement)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Political Coalition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UDA Party (United Democratic Alliance)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[William Ruto]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4408</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has authorized its leader, President William Ruto, to begin formal coalition negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signaling a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision was announced Wednesday following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting chaired by President Ruto at the party headquarters [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/uda-party-greenlights-coalition-talks-with-odm-ahead-of-2027-elections/">UDA Party Greenlights Coalition Talks with ODM Ahead of 2027 Elections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has authorized its leader, President William Ruto, to begin formal coalition negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signaling a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The decision was announced Wednesday following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting chaired by President Ruto at the party headquarters in Nairobi.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the NEC acknowledged ODM&#8217;s recent decision to pursue structured negotiations with UDA and the broader Kenya Kwanza Coalition to formalize their ongoing political partnership.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The NEC MANDATED the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,&#8221; the statement read.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The meeting also reviewed the party&#8217;s recent grassroots elections conducted across 20 counties on January 10, 2026. According to briefings from the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC), the exercise saw significant participation.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">&#8220;The grassroots elections attracted 492,439 candidates who contested for 231,770 seats in 17,953 Polling Centers,&#8221; the communiqué stated, adding that &#8220;a total of 2,400,000 party members from across the 20 counties participated in the exercise.&#8221;</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The NEC noted that 56% of those elected were male while 44% were female, with youth comprising 33% of the successful candidates.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">However, the committee directed the NEB to conduct repeat elections within 30 days in all polling centers where either election did not take place or there was no adequate participation of party members in the election.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The NEC highlighted several outcomes of the existing UDA-ODM political partnership, including the adoption of the 2024 National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, which has been tabled in Parliament for implementation.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The partnership has also resulted in &#8220;the establishment of the broad-based administration which has incorporated members of the ODM party into various responsibilities in government,&#8221; according to the statement.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a 10-point agenda and established a bipartisan implementation committee.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">Their cooperation bore fruit in the November 27, 2025 by-elections, where the statement noted the consensus for mutual and reciprocal support for UDA and ODM candidates respectively, which consensus resulted in the two parties winning all the Senate and National Assembly seats that were contested.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The NEC also approved the establishment of Ward Executive Committees comprising seven members to be elected by Ward Congresses.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The NEB was directed to organize ward-level party elections across the country within 30 days after the conclusion of repeat elections.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee was further directed to conclude the resolution of any disputes filed in accordance with party constitutional procedures.</p>
<p class="gmail-font-claude-response-body gmail-break-words gmail-whitespace-normal gmail-leading-[1.7]">The communiqué was issued by the United Democratic Alliance Party National Executive Committee and dated January 14, 2026.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/uda-party-greenlights-coalition-talks-with-odm-ahead-of-2027-elections/">UDA Party Greenlights Coalition Talks with ODM Ahead of 2027 Elections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>ODM Chair Oketch seeks to Expel Sifuna Over Coalition Talks, Discipline Breach</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/odm-chair-oketch-seeks-to-suspend-sifuna-over-coalition-talks-discipline-breach/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:51:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coalition politics in Kenya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eddy Oketch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edwin Sifuna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM Broad-Based Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM coalition dispute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM disciplinary action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM internal wrangles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ODM leadership row]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Orange Democratic Movement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parliamentary leadership disputes.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party discipline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Political Parties Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senate politics Kenya]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4316</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has moved to have Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna suspended and possibly expelled from the party, accusing him of gross misconduct, indiscipline and deliberate sabotage of the party. In a complaint filed through Aguko, Osman &#38; Company Advocates, Senator Oketch accuses Sifuna of illegally usurping powers [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/odm-chair-oketch-seeks-to-suspend-sifuna-over-coalition-talks-discipline-breach/">ODM Chair Oketch seeks to Expel Sifuna Over Coalition Talks, Discipline Breach</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has moved to have Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna suspended and possibly expelled from the party, accusing him of gross misconduct, indiscipline and deliberate sabotage of the party.</p>
<p>In a complaint filed through Aguko, Osman &amp; Company Advocates, Senator Oketch accuses Sifuna of illegally usurping powers reserved for the Party Leader by allegedly engaging in coalition negotiations without authority.</p>
<p>The complaint cites Article 16(1)(f) of the ODM Constitution, which states: “The Party Leader shall lead the Party at political negotiations to form a working coalition with any other Party or Parties with the sole purpose of forming the Government as may be desirable in the circumstances.”</p>
<p>According to Oketch, Sifuna acted outside this provision by purporting to negotiate or pronounce himself on coalition matters, despite not holding the mandate to do so.</p>
<p>The ODM chair further accuses the senator of indiscipline and dishonesty, alleging that he publicly disowned the party’s participation in the Broad-Based Government arrangement even though the position had been formally adopted by the relevant party organs.</p>
<p>The letter argues that such conduct violates Article 11(1)(e) of the party constitution, which requires members to: “Observe discipline, the Party’s Code of Conduct and obey lawful decisions made by the Party organs.”</p>
<p>Oketch also claims Sifuna frustrated ODM’s objectives under Article 7(1)(aa), which lists among the party’s aims</p>
<p>“To enter into coalition with political parties pursuing similar objectives in the Republic of Kenya.”</p>
<p>He contends that Sifuna’s repeated public pronouncements against coalition arrangements undermined the party’s strategic direction and progress, which he was instead expected to champion as Secretary General.</p>
<p>Further, the complaint accuses Sifuna of reckless and deliberate sabotage by allegedly disclosing confidential party information, including sensitive details about the funding of ODM’s 2022 presidential campaign.</p>
<p>According to the letter, Sifuna:</p>
<p>“Made public remarks on confidential Party affairs concerning the Party’s funding of the 2022 Presidential campaigns particularly the source of some funds and their dispatch.”</p>
<p>The disclosure, it argues, breached Article 11(1)(f) of the ODM Constitution, which obligates members to refrain from publishing or distributing confidential information without proper authorization.</p>
<p>The complaint describes the senator as being “on rampage and completely out to sabotage the Party,” adding:</p>
<p>“He has self-declared himself ‘Waziri wa Sherehe’ and seemingly got lost in the ‘Sherehe’ and no longer prioritizes the progress of the Party.”</p>
<p>Citing Article 18(1)(e) of the party constitution, which entrusts the chairperson with enforcing discipline and order, Oketch is seeking Sifuna’s immediate suspension from discharging duties or presenting himself as ODM Secretary General.</p>
<p>He also wants Sifuna de-whipped and recalled from all parliamentary leadership positions and committees, arguing that those roles were enabled by ODM membership whose ideologies he allegedly no longer subscribes to.</p>
<p>Further, the chairperson asks that Sifuna be deemed to have resigned from the party, with his name struck off the party register under Section 14A(2) and (3) of the Political Parties Act, or, in the alternative, that formal disciplinary proceedings be commenced to expel him under Section 14B of the same law.</p>
<p>However, Senator Sifuna has dismissed the complaint as baseless and politically motivated, accusing Senator Oketch of resurrecting a matter that had previously failed.</p>
<p>“Senator Eddy Oketch is once again the complainant against his colleague Senator Edwin Sifuna over allegations that have no legal legs to stand on,” Sifuna said.</p>
<p>“He was the hired assassin against us and lost and together with ODM were ordered to pay us costs. He will most certainly lose again should he continue with this misadventure.”</p>
<p>Sifuna said he had personally spoken to Oketch and urged him to withdraw the complaint to avoid reputational damage.</p>
<p>“I have spoken to him directly and asked him to withdraw this letter at least to save his reputation,” he said.</p>
<p>Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Sifuna remarked:“You will go far, very far indeed, but in the wrong direction.”</p>
<p>He maintained that his criticisms of ODM were longstanding and that party members deserved honesty.</p>
<p>“ODM faithfuls deserve to know the truth. The people who treated Baba, ODM and ODM members as ATM machines are now being exposed,” Sifuna said, adding:</p>
<p>“Those receiving weekly payments and billing three sources for the same goods and services are known.”</p>
<p>The dispute now places ODM’s internal cohesion under fresh strain as party organs consider whether to escalate the matter through formal disciplinary channels.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/odm-chair-oketch-seeks-to-suspend-sifuna-over-coalition-talks-discipline-breach/">ODM Chair Oketch seeks to Expel Sifuna Over Coalition Talks, Discipline Breach</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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		<title>Caleb Amisi Urges Mudavadi to Demand Answers from Ruto over Jirongo’s Death</title>
		<link>https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/caleb-amisi-urges-mudavadi-to-demand-answers-from-ruto-over-jirongos-death/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IB Reporter]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:58:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caleb Amisi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cyrus Jirongo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jirongo death]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[justice for Jirongo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenyan government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Musalia Mudavadi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nakuru–Naivasha highway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saboti MP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Western Kenya politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[William Ruto]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://insiderbits.co.ke/?p=4297</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has called on Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to confront President William Ruto and demand clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. Speaking during Jirongo’s burial on Tuesday in Lumakanda, Amisi emphasized that unresolved questions about the road accident that claimed Jirongo’s life [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/caleb-amisi-urges-mudavadi-to-demand-answers-from-ruto-over-jirongos-death/">Caleb Amisi Urges Mudavadi to Demand Answers from Ruto over Jirongo’s Death</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="215" data-end="466">Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has called on Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to confront President William Ruto and demand clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo.</p>
<p data-start="468" data-end="673">Speaking during Jirongo’s burial on Tuesday in Lumakanda, Amisi emphasized that unresolved questions about the road accident that claimed Jirongo’s life continue to cast a shadow over the Western region.</p>
<p data-start="675" data-end="1065">Addressing mourners and political leaders, Amisi stressed the importance of accountability.</p>
<p data-start="675" data-end="1065">“I call upon those in government, you know I am not there, but those of you in government, we respect your position and your stance. We have a history, and we remember the time when Moi wanted to remove you, Musalia, from government. It was Cyrus Jirongo who stood up to Moi directly,” Amisi said.</p>
<p data-start="1067" data-end="1341">He reminded the crowd that Jirongo had once defended Mudavadi’s position during the Moi era, urging the Cabinet Secretary to honor that history by seeking justice.</p>
<p data-start="1067" data-end="1341">“History now places a responsibility on Mudavadi to speak out and demand answers for the late MP,” he added.</p>
<p data-start="1067" data-end="1341">&#8220;Wewe Mudavadi stop being a coward, go and face Ruto and ask him who killed Cyrus Jirongo.&#8221;</p>
<p data-start="1343" data-end="1578">Amisi’s remarks reflect growing calls from Western Kenya leaders for transparency and accountability regarding Jirongo’s death, with many urging government officials to provide full details on the fatal Nakuru–Naivasha highway crash.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke/politics/caleb-amisi-urges-mudavadi-to-demand-answers-from-ruto-over-jirongos-death/">Caleb Amisi Urges Mudavadi to Demand Answers from Ruto over Jirongo’s Death</a> appeared first on <a href="https://insiderbits.co.ke">Insider Bits News</a>.</p>
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