politics
21storiesRuto Defends Dangote Lamu Refinery Against Opposition: President William Ruto has concluded his eight-day tour of the Coast region, using the occasion to address criticism from the opposition regarding the planned Dangote refinery in Lamu. The Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery has become a major point of contention. President William Ruto's allies, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, fiercely criticized the opposition, defending the government's deal with businessman Aliko Dangote. The opposition has demanded that the agreement governing the Dangote oil refinery project be made public. Lawyers are also cautioning that President Ruto's development projects may face legal hurdles due to insufficient public participation. Uhuru Urges Opposition Unity Against Ruto: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the Kenyan opposition to unite, warning that their ambition to win the presidency in 2027 will fail without a cohesive front. He has told opposition leaders to either unite or watch their State House ambition go up in flames. The former President also urged the opposition to unite and defeat President William Ruto in the next general election, warning that disunity will prevent them from achieving their goal. Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has dismissed claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is sponsoring the opposition. Ruto Singles Out Sifuna for Frequent Public Criticism: President William Ruto appears to have singled out Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a primary target for his public criticisms, labeling him with various derogatory terms. This follows a pattern of direct responses and frequent public clashes between the President and the Senator. Meanwhile, recent opinion polls indicate President William Ruto is the frontrunner for the 2027 presidential race, though his support level currently falls short of a first-round victory. The same polls show Sifuna has surged in popularity. In a separate development, former President Uhuru Kenyatta has publicly criticized his successor, President William Ruto, urging the Mt Kenya region not to repeat the "mistake" of electing him in 2022 and warning against a repeat in 2027. Elections Bill Advances Amid Cost Concerns: The National Assembly has advanced the Elections (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2024 to its second reading, signaling potential changes to the country's electoral processes ahead of next year's polls. The consequential elections bill passed its second reading at the National Assembly. A recent report reveals that Kenya's general elections incurred costs significantly higher than the global benchmark, raising concerns about financial efficiency. The elections cost three times higher than the global benchmark figure. Political Tensions Over Raila's Legacy and Coast Alliance: A year after the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a quiet struggle is unfolding over his legacy, with his family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) organizing separate commemoration events. Concerns are rising about the erosion of democratic ideals he championed, with former allies and government operatives undermining these principles. Disagreements over zoning ahead of the 2027 general elections are reportedly straining the political alliance between Kenya Kwanza (led by UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the Coast region. A private meeting between Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama on October 1, 2026, has sparked speculation about political realignments.





















































