A Kenyan government proposal to remove the mandatory livestreaming of election results from polling stations has sparked controversy and a looming battle over transparency for the 2027 General Election.

• The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to delete Section 39 of the Elections Act, which mandates the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to facilitate livestreaming.
• The Bill was passed by the Senate in December 2024 and is now before the National Assembly.
• Critics fear this move could undermine electoral transparency and pave the way for rigging.

Despite having a robust network to combat misinformation, Kenya's General Election in August 2022 saw false information spread more rapidly than factual reports.

• The article highlights the struggle to counter the rapid dissemination of misinformation during the August 2022 election.
• Key organizations involved in countering misinformation and the electoral process include the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
• The content points to a systemic issue where false narratives gained more traction than verified information, despite existing countermeasures.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to collaborate with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to develop a joint manifesto for the 2027 presidential campaign, signaling continued support for President William Ruto's re-election bid.

• ODM leader Oburu Oginga stated that a joint technical team will be formed to create a common policy agenda.
• The party reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Ruto's second term, with Oginga arguing that the current administration's blueprint builds on ideas from his late brother, Raila Odinga.
• ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga defended Oginga's leadership and dismissed claims that the party is divided or that ODM is dead, accusing James Orengo of spreading such narratives.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his allies are in the process of registering Linda Mwananchi as a new political party for his 2027 presidential bid, with backup names identified.

• The faction has scheduled a meeting with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to secure the name, after a previous attempt by another individual was rejected for resembling existing slogans and raising public interest concerns.
• Key figures involved include Senator Sifuna, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who believe the ODM party is "dead."
• This move is part of a broader effort within the opposition to form a united front, inspired by the 2002 Narc coalition model, to challenge President Ruto in the upcoming elections.