President Ruto Revises National Awards and Faces Housing Project Protests Amid ODM-UDA Deal Clarification - December 2025
President William Ruto revised the award categories for 10 recipients of the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), which were initially conferred during Jamhuri Day celebrations. The changes were announced in a gazette notice on Friday, December 19, reassigning the individuals to other honors. Meanwhile, the President's Affordable Housing Projects faced opposition on December 20, as residents in Lamu and Garissa Counties held protests citing environmental damage, potential displacement, and a lack of consultation. In the political sphere, Gladys Wanga, Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), clarified the party's ongoing cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). She stated the arrangement is based on a written agreement but warned it is conditional on the respect of ODM’s interests and strongholds. Wanga's clarification comes amid internal party pressure concerning the 2027 presidential race.
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Gladys Wanga Clarifies Ruto Deal Amid Pressure in ODM
Gladys Wanga, Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), clarified the party’s continued cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stating it is governed by a written agreement. She warned that the arrangement would only hold if ODM’s interests and strongholds are respected, amid internal pressure and differing views on the 2027 presidential race.
