Kenya Politics & Government
Featured News Stories
Ruto Singles Out Sifuna for Frequent Public Criticism
President William Ruto has singled out Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a primary target for his public criticisms, labeling him with various derogatory terms and direct responses. 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, while Sifuna's support appears to be surging. At the same time, 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. Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has called on former President Uhuru Kenyatta to adopt a statesman role and help unite the country instead of engaging in political opposition.
Ruto 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 Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu. Ruto's allies, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, fiercely criticized the opposition and defended the government's deal. Additionally, the opposition demands the agreement governing the Dangote oil refinery project be made public, while lawyers caution that Ruto's development projects may face legal hurdles due to insufficient public participation. Ruto has warned opposition leaders against inciting residents of Lamu to disrupt the construction of an oil refinery project linked to businessman Aliko Dangote.
Uhuru Urges Opposition Unity to Defeat Ruto
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the Kenyan opposition to unite and defeat President William Ruto in the next general election, warning that disunity will prevent them from achieving their goal. He told opposition leaders to unite or watch their State House ambition go up in flames, emphasizing that their 2027 presidential bid will fail without a cohesive front. Separately, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has dismissed claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is sponsoring the opposition, asserting that his party does not require external financial backing to mobilize Kenyans for the upcoming General Election.
Political Tensions Over Raila's Legacy and Coast Alliance
As Kenyans mark the first anniversary of the late Raila Odinga's passing, concerns are rising about the erosion of democratic ideals he championed, with former allies and government operatives reportedly undermining these principles. A quiet struggle is unfolding over his legacy, with his family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) organizing separate commemoration events. Meanwhile, 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. Additionally, 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.
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. A recent report reveals that Kenya's general elections incurred costs significantly higher than the global benchmark, raising concerns about financial efficiency in the electoral process. The bill's advancement comes as stakeholders debate electoral reforms and budget allocations for the 2027 general elections.
Kenya's news, briefed daily
Daily Briefs with audio, your topics, and breaking stories.
