Kioni: Opposition confusion could hand Ruto another term
The Deputy Party leader added that the opposition was repeating familiar mistakes and had drifted back into confusion similar to what it faced in the 2022 election cycle.
The Deputy Party leader added that the opposition was repeating familiar mistakes and had drifted back into confusion similar to what it faced in the 2022 election cycle.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah also aligned himself with remarks made by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has been pushing for opposition unity and the fronting of a single presidential candidate to improve competitiveness in the next elections.
ubilee Secretary General Moitalelel Ole Kenta said the government should concentrate on delivering solutions to citizens instead of engaging in political blame games
The contest has drawn national attention, with PresidentWilliam Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua expected to use the mini-poll as a measure of influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The group cites concerns over Tanzania’s recent elections, alleging irregularities and repression, and warns that the visit could be seen as legitimising contested processes while raising questions about Kenya’s regional stance.
In remarks to party leaders, he emphasised discipline, voter mobilisation and structured decision-making, while warning against internal divisions and premature political endorsements within the party.
The former Head of State further questioned why former leaders are expected to stay silent, contrasting the treatment with past administrations.
The race has already pulled in strong attention across Nyandarua County, with the United Democratic Alliance, the Democracy for Citizens Party linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and the Jubilee Party all presenting candidates as they position themselves for control of the seat
Millie Odhiambo criticised what she described as attempts to dismiss dissenting voices within ODM, saying differing opinions should not be reduced to personal attacks. She took issue with online reactions to her stance, noting that critics often resort to labelling her as envious of other leaders.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda condemned rising political violence, saying “goons” against leaders undermine democratic space. Speaking on Citizen TV, he urged security agencies to act and said leaders should focus on ideas, not accusations.
In the 2017 political cycle, Omanga was later nominated to the Senate, while Shebesh lost the Woman Representative seat in the August General Election to ODM’s Esther Passaris.
ODM strategic advisor Fredrick Okango says Linda Mwananchi gatherings are unofficial and not sanctioned by ODM organs. He criticises indiscipline and questions parallel leadership linked to Siaya Governor James Orengo, as internal divisions widen.
In a letter dated April 27, 2026 to the IEBC chairperson, the party clarified that the process will comply with all necessary electoral procedures.
In a Radio Generation interview, lawyer and political analyst Fanya Mambo Kinuthia said Kenya’s democracy remains vibrant despite tensions, while urging voters to reject fear ahead of 2027 and calling for stronger rights protections and oversight.
Muturi also criticised what he described as pressure to push the agreement through Parliament without enough time for proper examination. He insisted that lawmakers must be allowed sufficient space to interrogate the details before making any decision.
Since the death of party leader Raila Odinga in October last year, Sifuna has maintained that supporting Ruto’s re-election was not part of the 10-point agreement between Odinga and the President.
In a bold move that escalates internal tensions, Orengo announced a parallel leadership structure, naming himself acting party leader, Godfrey Osotsi as deputy, and Edwin Sifuna as secretary general. The move is widely viewed as a direct challenge to the party’s established leadership.
Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday during the Linda Mwananchi rally at K’Owuor Grounds, Owino positioned the gubernatorial seat as a stepping stone to the country’s top office, signaling early political positioning in Nairobi and nationally.
In a notice issued by its National Elections Board on Sunday, the ruling party invited interested candidates to apply, stating that “Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for nomination by registering through the UDA party portal.
In a notice issued by its National Elections Board on Sunday, the party called on “qualified and interested candidates to apply for the party ticket” for the upcoming mini-poll.
Ali, addressing supporters after the announcement, expressed confidence in his ability to take over county leadership, arguing that his focus would be on improving service delivery and bringing change to Mombasa.
The former ODM deputy party leader noted that Western Kenya leaders were instrumental in building the party but now feel their influence has weakened and their input ignored in major political decisions.
In a statement dated April 22, 2026, Jubilee Secretary General Montalel Ole Kenta said the party has the strongest claim to the seat, noting that the late David Kiaraho, whose death led to the by-election, was elected on a Jubilee ticket.
Governor James Orengo, speaking in Kisumu, had earlier declared himself the legitimate party leader, arguing that ODM was facing internal and external threats that could weaken its standing if not addressed.
Murungi further called on Senate committees to sharpen their focus on matters that have a direct impact on citizens, especially at the county level, saying emerging challenges require stronger parliamentary attention.
The audit issues he highlighted include an unconfirmed Sh3.7 billion cash balance and an unsupported Sh7 billion opening figure. He also pointed to Sh4.9 billion in misclassified receipts and Sh206 billion in transfer discrepancies, which he said could not be properly explained through available records.
Wetang’ula confirmed that the matter has already been forwarded to the Committee on Powers and Privileges for inquiry, in line with parliamentary rules. He said Wamboka would remain out of the committee’s leadership for the entire period of the investigations.
His remarks come after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the National Assembly Departmental Committee on National Security that some of the suspects linked to the attack had fled the country.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the parties said the meeting held at State House, Nairobi on Thursday brought together the UDA Steering Committee and the ODM Central Management Committee, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and identifying shared areas of interest.
Tuko Kadi founder Ademba Allans has cautioned the public over what he says is growing misuse of the movement as it expands rapidly among young peopl