On Friday, October 23, the Kenyan newspapers reported that the political alignments are taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
The dailies noted that IEBC will not live-stream election results in polling stations after Members of Parliament passed a new bill.
Source: UGC
1. The Star
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership is reportedly exploring ways to reduce Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna’s influence in the party’s traditional strongholds by drawing on the long-standing political differences between the late Raila Odinga and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
The strategy comes amid growing divisions within ODM and concerns over Sifuna’s political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Party leaders have criticised Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi faction over its links with Gachagua. The senator’s allies recently held talks with the former deputy president in Nyeri, where they reportedly explored possible political cooperation ahead of the next general election.
ODM leaders are also seeking to frame the association as a departure from Raila’s political legacy, particularly in regions such as Nyanza and the Coast, where the party has traditionally enjoyed strong support. By connecting Sifuna’s faction to Gachagua, the party establishment could seek to weaken his standing among loyal supporters.
The party’s top leadership, including deputy party leader Simba Arati, has also reportedly pursued a zoning strategy aimed at protecting ODM’s traditional bases.
The approach would seek to preserve the party’s influence in Nyanza, Western, Coast and Nairobi by prioritising candidates and leaders aligned with its established political direction.
2. The Standard
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will not live-stream the announcement of election results at polling stations in upcoming elections after MPs passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The change means members of the public may no longer be able to follow the announcement of results at polling stations in real time, unlike in previous elections.
The bill, which was approved by the Senate before its passage by the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 22, proposes changes to Section 39 of the Elections Act.
It removes the explicit requirement for the IEBC to establish a mechanism for live-streaming results as they are announced at polling stations.
The development has raised questions about electoral transparency, with the opposition already expressing concerns about secrecy surrounding the electoral process.
3. Daily Nation
The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) has revised its coalition agreement, removing a provision that automatically made the coalition party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, its presidential candidate.
The changes appear aimed at attracting politicians opposed to the alliance.
The agreement, which previously operated under the name Azimio la Umoja One Kenya before being rebranded last month, now includes a provision allowing the coalition to partner with other political formations.
The move is intended to accommodate different interests and reduce the risk of divisions within the opposition.
The revised document also provides for more than one council chairperson, creating room for competing interests among coalition members. In addition, it introduces deputy party leader positions.
Although the amended agreement has not yet been submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, it proposes expanding the powers and responsibilities of the coalition party leader.
Under the new arrangement, the party leader will convene and chair the coalition council. Previously, the council was chaired by its designated chairperson.
4. People Daily
Kenya’s opposition leaders are stepping up consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election, with a string of high-level meetings highlighting the delicate negotiations surrounding efforts to form a united anti-government coalition.
Nairobi senator Sifuna, former DP Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro are among the key figures involved in the talks.
The discussions come as opposition leaders work towards a common strategy to challenge President William Ruto in the next election.
However, several issues remain unsettled, including who would lead the coalition’s presidential ticket, how participating parties would retain their identities, the influence of different regions and how power would be shared among the partners.
5. Taifa Leo
President Ruto is expected to tour the Ukambani region as he steps up efforts to engage residents and strengthen his political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The visit comes amid growing political activity in the region, which has traditionally been associated with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Ruto’s tour is expected to focus on development projects and engagement with local leaders and residents.
The visit could also draw political attention as leaders position themselves for the next general election.
Source: TUKO.co.ke