A growing rift between Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, is poised to reshape the county's political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election. The initial cordial relationship between the two leaders has soured, leading to a public fallout and significant political moves.

• The conflict became evident during the 2025 Devolution Conference and intensified during the Kasipul parliamentary by-election, where Magwanga openly supported an independent candidate against the ODM choice backed by Wanga.
• Governor Wanga subsequently sacked Magwanga from his position as CECM for Agriculture, along with Peter Ogola, CECM for Lands, perceived as Magwanga's ally.
• Political analysts like George Mboya anticipate a new political realignment in Homa Bay County due to the absence of former ODM leader Raila Odinga's mediating influence, potentially seeing Magwanga challenging Wanga.

The newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces a defining year as it prepares Kenya for the 2027 general elections. Having recently overseen highly contested by-elections, the commission is now tasked with meeting crucial constitutional deadlines.

• The IEBC is under pressure to meet set constitutional deadlines in readiness for the 2027 polls.
• The Chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, along with six Commissioners, addressed the media in Mombasa on July 19, 2025.
• The commission's immediate future involves an "overflowing in-tray" as it manages preparations.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing immense pressure as 2026 approaches, a year critical for their preparations ahead of the 2027 general election. After navigating highly contested by-elections, the newly constituted commission must now meet strict constitutional deadlines.

• Critical year: 2026 for IEBC preparations.
• Key organization: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
• Future event: 2027 general election.

Oburu Oginga, Acting Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has declared he will be the party's presidential candidate in 2027 if the party chooses to contest independently. This announcement comes amidst growing internal divisions within the ODM regarding its cooperation with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

• Oburu Oginga stated the ODM party constitution designates the party leader as the automatic flag bearer in a solo run.
• He indicated his ambitions could be shelved if the party enters a pre-election pact requiring it to back a coalition partner’s candidate.
• Oburu warned against "daydreamers" within a faction linked to Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, refuting claims the party was "sold."