In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Alexander Muteti directed that Ngache be released from police custody by 5 p.m., effectively overturning an earlier order by the Milimani Law Courts that had permitted detectives to hold her for three days to complete investigations.

The judge also directed that the matter be mentioned on Monday, when the High Court is expected to issue further directions on the constitutional issues raised in the case.

Ngache, popularly known online as Princess Halima, was arrested on June 30 during what the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) described as an intelligence-led operation in Kazandani, Bamburi, Mombasa County.

Detectives from the DCI’s Serious Crimes Unit allege she is linked to the verified X account @sholard_mancity, which allegedly published detailed information about President William Ruto’s international travel, including flight routes, destinations and aircraft details during recent official trips to Europe.

According to investigators, the account published posts claiming that President Ruto travelled aboard a chartered private jet from Belgium to Norway on June 8, later flew from Norway to Finland on June 10, and on June 25 allegedly departed Kenya with plans to board another private aircraft in Madagascar.

Court documents filed by Corporal Edwin Metto state that the motive behind the publication of the information remains unknown.

“…the motive of the alleged tracking remains unknown and the information published by the said user has caused apprehension on the person of the Head of State as well as Kenyan citizens,” the investigating officer stated in an affidavit filed before court.

The DCI maintains that the alleged posts may amount to offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, arguing that publication of the travel movements of protected persons raises significant national security concerns.

Following her arrest, detectives recovered two mobile phones, a Dell laptop, a Tecno tablet and three flash drives, which they sought to subject to forensic examination.

Investigators initially requested seven days to complete the analysis and obtain information from other agencies before forwarding the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

However, Senior Principal Magistrate Theresa Nyangena declined the request and instead granted detectives three days, finding that the shorter period would be sufficient to complete the remaining investigations.

One of the central issues raised during the proceedings was that the X account under investigation allegedly remained active even after Ngache had been arrested and transported from Mombasa to Nairobi.

The DCI argued that the continued activity suggested more than one individual could have been operating the account.

Ngache, however, relied on the same fact to dispute investigators’ claims that she was solely responsible for the account.

She told the court that despite all her electronic devices being seized, fresh posts continued appearing on the platform while she remained in police custody, casting doubt on allegations that she was its administrator.

That argument has become one of the major points likely to feature prominently as the constitutional challenge proceeds.

Ngache has also questioned the manner of her arrest, arguing that she was apprehended without being informed of the reasons for her arrest and without a warrant before being transferred from Mombasa to Nairobi.

The case has attracted widespread public attention because it sits at the intersection of national security and constitutional freedoms.

While investigators argue that publishing real-time or detailed information concerning the movements of a sitting Head of State could expose protected persons to security risks, digital rights advocates have increasingly questioned whether authorities are stretching cybercrime laws to criminalise online speech.

The matter also comes only days after another significant High Court decision striking down provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which had granted authorities broad powers to block websites without court orders.

That judgment reaffirmed constitutional protections on freedom of expression and access to information, further intensifying debate over the scope of digital regulation in Kenya.

Legal experts say the outcome of Ngache’s case could shape future investigations involving open-source intelligence, social media reporting and the publication of publicly available aviation data.

Globally, flight tracking has become increasingly accessible through publicly available aviation platforms, allowing users to monitor aircraft movements using transponder signals.

Governments, however, often distinguish between publicly available aviation data and the deliberate dissemination of information involving protected state officials where security considerations arise.

In Kenya, the DCI insists its investigation is not aimed at restricting legitimate freedom of expression but at determining whether any criminal offences were committed under existing cybercrime laws.

For now, Justice Muteti’s ruling means Ngache will regain her freedom while detectives continue their investigations.

Whether prosecutors ultimately approve criminal charges, and whether the courts draw a new constitutional line between digital expression and national security, will begin to emerge when the matter returns to the High Court on Monday.

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“In this day and age, it is unacceptable that women continue to lose their lives while giving birth,”President Ruto stated during the High-Level Heads of State in in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Side Event: From Commitment to Impact – Accelerating Maternal Mortality Reduction in Africa, held on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary African Union Summit on Saturday.

The Kenyan leader announced that his government has already enrolled 50,000 vulnerable adolescent mothers under the new Social Health Authority, with an additional 38,000 currently being onboarded into the programme.

President Ruto described maternal and neonatal deaths as an unacceptable failure of health systems and governance.

Speaking alongside other African heads of stateincluding Presidents Julius Maada of Sierra Leone, Duma Boko of Botswana, Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, and Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie, President Ruto outlined Kenya’s comprehensive health reforms aimed at saving mothers’ lives.

“Financing, however, must be matched by clinical readiness,” Ruto emphasized, noting that insurance coverage alone is insufficient without strong health facilities and skilled personnel.

The President revealed that Kenya is implementing the Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative, concentrating resources in 26 high-burden counties with the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

The government has deployed 2,880 Community Health Promoters and 192 Community Health Assistants to extend coverage at the grassroots level.

President Ruto also highlighted Kenya’s shift toward precise health intelligence, moving from broad estimates to exact measurements through the Reproductive Age Mortality Survey approach to determine who is dying, where, and why.

In 2023, more than 70% of global maternal deaths occurred in Africa, with an estimated 182,000 women losing their lives to pregnancy-related complications.

The summit comes as Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of global maternal and child mortality, with the continent recording an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 442 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.

President Maada of Sierra Leone echoed Ruto’s concerns, stating that Africa must now turn commitments into tangible results deliberately and consistently.

The event forms part of broader AU efforts to address maternal health challenges across the continent, including the official launch of the CARMMA Plus Website, a continental digital hub designed to enhance visibility, coordination, and accountability in efforts to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child deaths in Africa.

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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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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.”

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Former President William Ruto’s advisers suffered a major setback after the High Court rejected their second attempt to stay in office for six months to allow handovers.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday dismissed the January 27 application by 21 Presidential Advisors, ruling that their request was illegal and lacked constitutional backing.

“The court finds the application misconceived and outside the law. It cannot be entertained,” Justice Mwamuye said, emphasizing that public offices must operate within the limits of the Constitution.

The advisors had sought to challenge their sacking from the Presidency, arguing that their removal was unlawful.

However, the court found that their positions were not constitutionally or statutorily guaranteed, making their claim unsustainable.

The advisers including David Ndii, Monica Juma, Jaoko Oburu, and Harriet Chigai, argued that a stay would allow them to comply with the court’s orders, facilitate proper handover, and support their planned appeal.

The Attorney General and the Public Service Commission backed them, but the Katiba Institute opposed the application, citing res judicata.

Justice Mwamuye rejected their claims of “new arguments”:

“The same arguments canvassing appeal, structural interdict, prejudice, support for the President, handover, irreparable harm and prejudice, and the others are a rehash of what was covered extensively on 22/01/2026,” he ruled.

He warned against repeated applications to bypass unfavorable rulings.

“While the Party making an Application may change, if the substance of what is being sought and the grounds or arguments in the support of the same are identical, then the doctrine of res judicata bars that second attempt.”

The ruling emphasized finality in court proceedings:”Res Judicata is an important aspect of our legal order. It preserves scarce judicial time, promotes certainty and uniformity, and prevents a matter being caught up in an unending cycle of litigation.”

In a related ruling, the court dismissed contempt charges against Ndii and Chigai over social media posts after the January 22 judgment.

Justice Mwamuye said Ndii’s posts were “a mixture of his expression of dissatisfaction with the outcome… and a comment that, while somewhat distasteful, was an expression of his personal experience with respect to an incident that occurred in the year 2017.”

Chigai’s actions, the court found, had “two equally persuasive interpretations” and did not show she was continuing in a quashed role.

“Social media comments can have real-life negative consequences… Such comments must strike the balance between our constitutionally protected freedom to express our views… and the need to protect and promote the proper administration of justice,” the judge cautioned.

The dispute stems from a case filed by the Katiba Institute challenging the constitutionality of the Presidential Advisor offices.

The January 22 judgment quashed the positions, with advisers’ immediate oral stay applications rejected.

The new written application has now also been dismissed, leaving the judgment fully in force.

Advisers retain the right to appeal the substantive judgment to the Court of Appeal.

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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.

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.

“Yangu ni three term ya Rais ni two term twende kazi bila kelele,” Wamuchomba declared in the video, her voice brimming with confidence and determination.

The statement, delivered in Swahili, translates to a clear message: while she pursues a three-term journey representing Githunguri Constituency, she’s committed to ensuring President Ruto secures his two terms in office.

Her rallying cry of “twende kazi bila kelele” (let’s work without noise) has particularly resonated with her followers, signaling a no-nonsense approach to governance and political engagement.

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.

“Yeah i have decided this year i want maendeleo na kazi, siasa tutapiga baadaye,” she added.

Drapped in a United Democratic Alliance scarf, Wamuchomba announced she feels at home.

“Niko nyumbani niko State House kwa UDA,” Wamuchomba firmly stated.

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.

Wamuchomba’s public endorsement comes at a critical juncture in Kenya’s political calendar, as various camps begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.

Her declaration is significant, given her reputation as a vocal and sometimes controversial figure in Parliament who doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind.

The Githunguri MP’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.

By publicly committing to Ruto’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.

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.

“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,” Wamuchomba posted on her official X account on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

“I get surprised when I see civil servants dancing in the Statehouse, yet their pay slips are punched,” she added.

Political analysts have been quick to weigh in on the implications of her announcement.

Some view it as a calculated political gamble that could pay dividends if Ruto’s popularity remains strong leading up to 2027.

Others see it as an early attempt to secure her political base in Githunguri by associating herself with the presidency.

The timing of Wamuchomba’s endorsement is particularly noteworthy.

With over a year still remaining before the 2027 general elections, her early declaration could influence other politicians in the Mt.

Kenya region to publicly declare their positions. The region has historically been a crucial voting bloc in Kenyan elections, making such endorsements politically significant.

Her call for “kazi bila kelele” (work without noise) also appears to be a subtle dig at opposition politicians who she may perceive as focusing more on rhetoric than delivery.

This messaging aligns with the Kenya Kwanza government’s narrative of prioritizing development and service delivery over political grandstanding.

As country’s political temperature gradually rises ahead of the 2027 polls, Wamuchomba’s declaration serves as a reminder that campaign season is unofficially underway.

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.

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.

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Speaking during a high-stakes luncheon with party polling station leaders at her Kianyaga residence on Friday, Waiguru claimed the ruling party’s aggressive grassroots mobilization campaign is finally paying dividends in the politically volatile region.

“The ongoing effort to consolidate the party’s grassroots support is bearing fruit,” Waiguru told the gathering, which saw even previously lukewarm county assembly members publicly pledge allegiance to UDA and President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

The governor, who has emerged as one of Ruto’s key point persons in the Mount Kenya region, issued a stark warning that the area has no business flirting with the opposition.

“The region has no place in opposition,” Waiguru declared, vowing to ensure residents “speak in one voice” ahead of the next general election.

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.

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.

The timing of the event is crucial, coming amid intensifying jostling for Mt. Kenya’s political soul, with various leaders positioning themselves as the region’s kingpins in Ruto’s succession matrix.

Waiguru’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’s presidency.

The governor’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’s own backyard.

Whether Waiguru’s optimistic assessment reflects genuine political momentum or wishful thinking remains to be seen, but her bold declaration that Mt. Kenya has “no place in opposition” will undoubtedly intensify the region’s already heated political discourse.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the battle for Mt. Kenya’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’s corner.

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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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The decision was announced Wednesday following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting chaired by President Ruto at the party headquarters in Nairobi.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the NEC acknowledged ODM’s recent decision to pursue structured negotiations with UDA and the broader Kenya Kwanza Coalition to formalize their ongoing political partnership.

“The NEC MANDATED the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” the statement read.

The meeting also reviewed the party’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.

“The grassroots elections attracted 492,439 candidates who contested for 231,770 seats in 17,953 Polling Centers,” the communiqué stated, adding that “a total of 2,400,000 party members from across the 20 counties participated in the exercise.”

The NEC noted that 56% of those elected were male while 44% were female, with youth comprising 33% of the successful candidates.

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.

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.

The partnership has also resulted in “the establishment of the broad-based administration which has incorporated members of the ODM party into various responsibilities in government,” according to the statement.

The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a 10-point agenda and established a bipartisan implementation committee.

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.

The NEC also approved the establishment of Ward Executive Committees comprising seven members to be elected by Ward Congresses.

The NEB was directed to organize ward-level party elections across the country within 30 days after the conclusion of repeat elections.

The Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee was further directed to conclude the resolution of any disputes filed in accordance with party constitutional procedures.

The communiqué was issued by the United Democratic Alliance Party National Executive Committee and dated January 14, 2026.

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