As mourners gathered at the family home in Tala on Saturday, February 14, 2026, to lay Moses to rest, Muthama issued a clear and emotional directive: the “WANTAM” and “TUTAM” slogans that have turned Kenya’s public spaces into political battlegrounds would not be tolerated at his son’s funeral.

“Today, we are not here as politicians. We are here as parents burying our child,” Muthama told the solemn gathering.

“Let us honor Moses with dignity, not drama.”

“By God’s plans, the mother of Moses and I may follow different political paths. But if you want to respect our peace in this home, do not bring ‘WANTAM’ or ‘TUTAM’ issues here, just forget them. When you speak, speak with gratitude for the opportunity, and nothing else. I will be holding the remote control to the microphone, and if you divert to politics, I will switch it off. That’s how you take charge of your home,” Muthama warned.

Muthama further stated that his son’s burial should serve as a model for funerals across the country.

“Is it right to bring politics into a family that is mourning and see people start fighting?” he asked.

“If you want to promote UDA’s agenda, there will be other platforms for that, not at a burial event.”

The 26-year-old Moses tragically passed away on February 4 after collapsing at home and developing breathing complications, leaving his parents and the entire community in deep mourning.

Friday’s pre-burial gathering painted a rare picture of political unity. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and ODM leader Oburu Oginga, figures often at opposite ends of Kenya’s political spectrum, sat side by side at the Muthama residence, their differences temporarily shelved in the face of shared human sorrow.

Kalonzo, visibly moved, described Moses as “a young man full of promise, purpose and dreams for the future,” calling the loss “a moment of profound sorrow” for the entire Ukambani community.

Senator Agnes Kavindu, Moses’s mother and Muthama’s wife, received the condolences with quiet grace, surrounded by family and close friends.

Muthama’s stand has resonated nationwide. Across social media platforms, thousands of Kenyans have praised the grieving father for drawing a firm line between political theater and personal tragedy.

“Finally, someone said it. Funerals are sacred spaces, not campaign rallies,” one supporter wrote.

The ban has ignited broader debate about the boundaries of political expression in Kenya.

While WANTAM and TUTAM slogans have become fixtures at public gatherings, many now question whether every space, including final farewells, must become a political arena.

As Moses was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon, the ceremony remained peaceful and centered on remembrance, exactly as his grieving parents had requested.

Pole sana to Commissioner Muthama, Senator Kavindu, and the entire family. May Moses rest in eternal peace.

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Speaking during the official opening of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Pipeline in Embakasi, Nairobi County, where he also attended a prayer service, the President painted an optimistic picture of Kenya’s economic trajectory.

“For the first time in a long while, Kenya is not guessing. We are not drifting. We are not gambling,” Ruto told congregants.

“We have set our targets. We have begun the journey.”

The President’s remarks come as his administration faces mounting pressure to deliver on campaign promises to reduce the financial burden on ordinary Kenyans.

Recent economic indicators suggest some progress, with inflation dropping from a high of 9.6% in October 2022 to 4.5% by the end of 2025.

Ruto emphasized that difficult decisions made early in his tenure, including fiscal consolidation measures and subsidy reforms, were necessary to stabilize the economy and create conditions for sustainable growth.

“The decisive measures we took in 2023 and 2024 were aimed at stabilizing and turning around the economy,” the President said in his recent New Year address.

“Looking back, 2025 was the year when those deliberate, often demanding choices began to pay off.”

In a significant move to ease household budgets, Ruto recently announced that Kenyans earning Sh30,000 and below will be exempt from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes, up from the current threshold of Sh24,000.

“We are now saying that any Kenyan who earns less than Sh30,000 will not pay any taxes,” Ruto stated.

“One and a half million working Kenyans will not pay any taxes, and another 500,000 will have their taxes reduced to 25 per cent.”

The President framed these measures as part of his “Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” designed to put more money directly into the pockets of low and middle-income earners.

“This is how, progressively, we will manage the cost of living,” he added. “Bottom Up was not just a slogan.”

While the President expressed confidence in Kenya’s economic direction, opposition voices remain skeptical.

Critics point to continued struggles with unemployment, rising debt levels, and delayed implementation of key programs.

However, government data shows some positive trends: nearly a million Kenyans have accessed jobs through housing initiatives, labor mobility programs, and the digital economy.

The Central Bank of Kenya has also cut the base lending rate multiple times, from 13% to 9.25%, making credit more accessible.

Ruto has declared 2026 a “watershed year” for Kenya, promising accelerated infrastructure development, expanded digital employment opportunities, and continued health and education reforms.

“2026 will be a turning point in our march from promise to prosperity,” the President said.

“A year that future generations will look back on and say Kenya changed course.”

As Kenyans navigate ongoing economic challenges, the President’s message from the pulpit at AIC Pipeline was clear: patience with tough reforms will yield dividends, and relief is on the horizon.

Whether voters agree when they head to the polls in 2027 remains to be seen.

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The nomination, announced Friday by State House Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, comes just four months after her husband’s death in October 2025, marking a significant political appointment that bridges Kenya’s long-standing political divide.

If approved by Parliament, the 73-year-old educationist and civic leader will replace Ababu Namwamba, who was recently reassigned to Kampala.

“His Excellency the President has, in exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, caused the nomination of Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, E.G.H., for appointment as Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme,” Koskei stated in the official press release.

The nomination recognizes Mama Ida as a “distinguished educationist, civic leader, and an acclaimed advocate for social justice and gender equity” whose career spans decades of public service.

According to the State House statement, her professional journey began as “a graduate teacher at Highway Secondary School in Nairobi, and later at Kenya High School, where over a decade in the classroom nurtured a deep-rooted and enduring commitment to education.”

The announcement describes her as having been “the lifelong companion of the former Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, C.G.H., until his demise on 15th October, 2025,” noting that “her life’s work stands as a testament to the highest ideals of selfless service, defined by courage, sacrifice, grace under fire, and an unceasing commitment to advancing women’s education and empowerment.”

During the turbulent 1990s democracy movement, Mama Ida carved out her own political identity as founding Chairperson of the League of Kenya Women Voters, playing what the press release calls “a key role in advancing calls for change and democratic reform” during Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy.

Beyond politics, she has contributed to Kenya’s private sector through family enterprises, including East African Spectre, described as “a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company that has made considerable contributions to the nation’s energy sector.”

Her accolades include Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) conferred in 2018, two Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees, and awards from the Human Achievers Foundation.

“Her appointment to this role, subject to the requisite parliamentary approval, is expected to amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy,” the statement reads.

The nomination now heads to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, where it is likely to generate intense political debate given Kenya’s complex political landscape and the symbolic weight of appointing Raila Odinga’s widow to a prestigious international post.

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President William Ruto’s party United Democratic Alliance has fired back at Thursday’s High Court ruling that nullified its merger with the Alliance for National Change, describing the judgment as addressing “a matter that events have overtaken.”

In a statement released Friday, UDA’s 2nd Deputy Party Leader and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy declared the court’s finding fundamentally mischaracterized what actually transpired between the two parties.

“I would like to state categorically that the court ruling on the purported ANC-UDA merger is a matter that events have overtaken,” Timamy said, challenging the core premise of the legal challenge.

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.

“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 ‘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,’ that ANC at its Special National Delegates Congress on 7th February, 2025, in line with the party constitution, dissolved,” the statement read.

Timamy emphasized this was a critical legal distinction that undermined the entire court case.

“Clearly, what was done was a voluntary dissolution by the ANC party by its members, and therefore, the matter of the ANC Party having ‘merged’ with UDA is, with respect, not factual. In fact, and in law, there was never a merger between the two political parties,” he stated.

The governor suggested the court and litigants failed to properly examine official records before proceeding. “A casual reference to the Gazette Notice, as stated above, should have helped,” he added.

Taking direct aim at the ruling’s language, Timamy dismissed the notion that anything had been nullified.

“Consequently, to state that the ‘merger’ has been declared ‘unlawful’ by the court is to scribble yet another fiction. You cannot nullify a decision that never was in the first place!” he declared.

According to the UDA position, once ANC dissolved itself, all subsequent actions followed proper legal channels.

“After the dissolution, all ANC assets were lawfully transferred to the UDA, and the dissolved ANC’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,” Timamy stated.

The response comes as President Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi face questions about their 2027 electoral strategy following Thursday’s court decision.

However, UDA appears unbowed by the legal setback.

“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,” Timamy said.

He concluded by redirecting focus toward the government’s development agenda.

“Our focus remains on delivering the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and ensuring real, measurable development outcomes for the people of Kenya,” the statement read.

The party has not indicated whether it plans to appeal Thursday’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.

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In a complaint filed through Aguko, Osman & Company Advocates, Senator Oketch accuses Sifuna of illegally usurping powers reserved for the Party Leader by allegedly engaging in coalition negotiations without authority.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

Oketch also claims Sifuna frustrated ODM’s objectives under Article 7(1)(aa), which lists among the party’s aims

“To enter into coalition with political parties pursuing similar objectives in the Republic of Kenya.”

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.

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.

According to the letter, Sifuna:

“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.”

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.

The complaint describes the senator as being “on rampage and completely out to sabotage the Party,” adding:

“He has self-declared himself ‘Waziri wa Sherehe’ and seemingly got lost in the ‘Sherehe’ and no longer prioritizes the progress of the Party.”

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.

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.

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.

However, Senator Sifuna has dismissed the complaint as baseless and politically motivated, accusing Senator Oketch of resurrecting a matter that had previously failed.

“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.

“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.”

Sifuna said he had personally spoken to Oketch and urged him to withdraw the complaint to avoid reputational damage.

“I have spoken to him directly and asked him to withdraw this letter at least to save his reputation,” he said.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Sifuna remarked:“You will go far, very far indeed, but in the wrong direction.”

He maintained that his criticisms of ODM were longstanding and that party members deserved honesty.

“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:

“Those receiving weekly payments and billing three sources for the same goods and services are known.”

The dispute now places ODM’s internal cohesion under fresh strain as party organs consider whether to escalate the matter through formal disciplinary channels.

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Wetang’ula, who was reportedly among those seen with Jirongo at City Hotel having drinks hours before the tragic accident, described the news of his friend’s passing as a devastating blow.

“Cyrus Jirongo’s death hit me like a missile,” Wetang’ula recounted during his burial in Kakamega county.

“Leo tukimzika rafiki yangu Cyrus Jirongo… I want to tell the family we have spoken to our President and he has said that after the burial, the three widows should be taken to meet and outline the profile of the challenges of our brother’s family so we can see how best we can assist.”

The Speaker recounted the events of the fateful night in detail, clarifying reports surrounding Jirongo’s last hours.

“After the Jamhuri event on December 12, 2025, I called Jirongo and asked him to meet me from 6pm onwards,” he revealed.

“At around 8:15pm, I arrived at my friend’s place, known as Malala, where we had agreed to meet. About 15 minutes later, Jirongo arrived. We then sat, three people: me, Jirongo, and General Tuwei.  I told Jirongo to do things quickly as I had lost an MP from Mombasa and had to travel,” Wetang’ula said.

He continued: “We then had a private meeting, just the two of us. I asked the other two to give us some space to talk about our matters. At about 9:30pm, I told Jirongo I was leaving. I called the two other friends to join him as l was leaving. In our meeting, we planned our issues and next steps, and I left home.”

Wetang’ula said he was blindsided by the news the next morning.

“The next morning, when I woke up at 7am to leave for Mombasa, my son came and said, ‘Sorry for the loss of your close friend Jirongo.’ The news hit me like a thunderbolt and they hit me like a Missile.  I had so many friends, but Jirongo was personal to me.”

The Speaker’s detailed account sheds light on the controversial night Jirongo lost his life in a road accident along the Nakuru–Naivasha highway, reigniting calls for clarity and accountability.

Wetang’ula’s openness also underscores the deep personal connection he shared with the late politician, highlighting the human side of the tragedy.

In sentiments during the burial, Wetang’ula reassured Kenyans and the Jirongo family that discussions with the President are ongoing to ensure the late MP’s family receives support in the wake of the devastating loss.

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Speaking during Jirongo’s burial on Tuesday in Lumakanda, Khalwale said the solemn occasion was also an opportunity for leaders to provide clarity to the public on lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding Jirongo’s fatal road accident on the Nakuru–Naivasha highway.

Addressing former Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, Khalwale emphasized that Kenyans deserved transparency.

“I would like you, George, to say what happened on that evening because you said you saw Speaker Wetang’ula with the late. This is the right occasion,” he said.

Turning his remarks directly to Wetang’ula, Khalwale demanded that the Speaker shed light on his interactions with Jirongo on the fateful night.

“I want my brother, Speaker Wetang’ula, to tell us, the Waluhya people, what you discussed with Jirongo. What were you planning?” Khalwale said, drawing murmurs from the gathered mourners.

The senator’s statements reflect mounting public curiosity and concern over the final hours days of the late politician, whose sudden death has prompted calls for accountability and transparency from senior political figures.

Khalwale also sharply rebuked Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, accusing him of misleading President William Ruto.

“You lied to Ruto that Luhyas will back you in 2027, which Luhyas told you that?” Khalwale asked.

He added, “Now you want a constitutional referendum to ring-fence your own seat. Is this about your position… or the hunger biting the masses?”

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Speaking during Jirongo’s burial in Lumakanda, Moi reflected on the politician’s complex life, emphasizing that it is the enduring legacy that truly matters.

“We did everything with Jirongo, both good and bad, but what is important today for me is his legacy, because he was a trustworthy person, a true friend who was ready to stand with his friends in thin and thick,” Moi said.

The KANU leader urged the public to protect the late MP’s family, stressing that their safety and well-being are paramount.

“We know there is life after death. We all need to protect the Jirongo family because that is what matters,” he added.

Moi also lauded Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for pledging to safeguard Jirongo’s property in Nairobi, noting that such gestures are vital for the family’s security.

Highlighting Jirongo’s lifelong commitment to Luhya unity, Moi encouraged the community to continue valuing cohesion.

“Don’t be like an Elephant who doesn’t know its importance. Your unity will shake this country, and I tell you for free,” he said.

He further echoed Jirongo’s optimism for the future, recalling the late politician’s frequent remarks: “2026 will be a game changer.”

Moi encouraged leaders and the community to carry forward this vision, ensuring that Jirongo’s legacy continues to inspire generations.

The burial was attended by political leaders, family, and community members who paid their last respects, marking the end of a life remembered for resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to the Luhya community.

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Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, Musyoka accused the administration of seeking to “extend their grip on power through backdoor constitutional changes.”

“This push for a referendum is not about the people,” Musyoka said.

“It is a deliberate attempt by the government to rewrite rules in their favor, ensuring they stay in power beyond 2027. We will not allow them to undermine the will of Kenyans.”

The former Vice President also touched on the United Opposition’s strategy ahead of the next general election.

Musyoka confirmed that the coalition would unveil its presidential candidate by the end of March 2026, signaling a united front against the ruling government.

“We are committed to presenting a candidate who reflects the aspirations of all Kenyans,” Musyoka stated.

“The United Opposition is ready to offer a credible alternative to the current leadership, and our decision will be guided by the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and competence.”

Kalonzo’s remarks come amid growing debates over constitutional amendments and the timing of political maneuvers ahead of the 2027 elections.

His stance puts him at odds with other political figures, including PCS Musalia Mudavadi, who have expressed support for a referendum.

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