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.

• The agreement, signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), explicitly bars political encroachment into each party’s traditional support bases.
• Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasized that both ODM and UDA must strengthen independently for future partnerships to be viable.
• Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda openly backed President William Ruto for a second term in 2027 under the broad-based arrangement, despite ODM’s potential to field its own candidate.

President William Ruto has revised the award categories for 10 recipients of the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), initially conferred during Jamhuri Day. These changes were announced in a gazette notice on Friday, December 19, reassigning individuals to awards such as Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), and the Head of State’s Commendation (H.S.C.).

• Ndung'u Joyce Njeri Njoroge and Kiini Sylvester Ngei were reassigned from C.B.S. to M.B.S.
• Philip Brightone Buchere, a posthumous C.B.S. awardee, was moved to the O.G.W. award.
• The reassignments follow the conferment of national honours to 881 Kenyans during the December 12 Jamhuri Day ceremony.

Residents in Lamu and Garissa Counties, Kenya, on December 20, protested against President Ruto's Affordable Housing Projects, citing environmental damage, potential displacement, and lack of consultation.

• In Watamu, Lamu County, residents fear the project will destroy the town's only public park, threatening neem trees and impacting tourism.
• A tourist expressed strong disapproval, stating, "What a shame, what an absolute shame," regarding the proposed "ugly-looking flats."
• In Garissa, residents, many having occupied their land for decades, protested against phase 2 of the project, fearing eviction without proper notice or alternative land.
• The Affordable Housing Programme aims to provide housing for low-to-middle-income earners, prioritizing informal settlements and creating jobs.