Since 1975, during the era of the firebrand politician JM Kariuki, Ol Kalou has developed a reputation for resisting political waves, accepting campaign handouts but ultimately voting according to conscience. …
… Look at what we just witnessed in the by election at Ol Kalou. A lot has been written about this election, but I want to simply point out that it is a defining moment in this country’s politics.Do you think for a moment that the government, in its magnanimity, has just realised t …
… amid heightened political activity in the Mt Kenya region, where opposition leaders have intensified campaigns aimed at consolidating the vote-rich bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election.The DP's address also followed the United Democratic Alliance's (UDA) defeat in the Ol Kalou …
… From youth sharing political commentary on their phones to elders leaning steadfastly on walking sticks, Ol Kalou had decided to defy expectations. …
… Recent comments attributed to an IEBC commissioner, suggesting that distribution of government items such as mattresses, gas cylinders, and other goods during the Ol Kalou by-election period is not automatically voter bribery, have generated debate. …
From Malava to Ol Kalou: Fears grow over unidentified armed men in mini-polls By Citizen Reporter July 18, 2026 10:34 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize The recent surge in cases of unidentif …
NAIROBI, Kenya July 18 – Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has congratulated Ol Kalou MP-elect Kamau Ngotho following his decisive victory in the just-concluded parliamentary by-election, while assuring residents that government development projects in the constituency will no …
President William Ruto's allies in Western Kenya, led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, have defended the IEBC against opposition claims that it could rig the 2027 General Election. The leaders urged politicians to respect the electoral commission's constitutional independence and accused the opposition of undermining confidence in the body.
President William Ruto's allies in Western Kenya, led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, have defended the IEBC against opposition claims that it could rig the 2027 General Election. The leaders urged politicians to respect the electoral commission's constitutional independence and accused the opposition of undermining confidence in the body.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on opposition leaders to cease criticising the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), arguing that the electoral agency's independence must be respected and that attacks on it could undermine public confidence in the August 2027 General Election. Mudavadi defended the current IEBC leadership under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and cited recent by-elections, including the Ol Kalou poll, as evidence of the commission's ability to conduct credible elections.
Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has accused opposition leaders of attacking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to undermine confidence in the 2027 election, arguing the attacks aim to discredit the election outcome before voting takes place. Mudavadi defended the commission's independence, citing recent by-elections as evidence of its capacity to deliver free and fair polls, and warned opposition leaders against attempting to dictate how the IEBC conducts its work.
Ndia MP George Kariuki said President William Ruto still stands a chance of winning back Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, pointing to development projects as his strongest card and arguing it remains too early to conclude the region has abandoned Ruto. Kariuki attributed the region's cooling relationship with the government partly to the fallout between Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, though he noted the rift can still be mended.
A fire in Aberdare Forest, Nyandarua County, has destroyed more than 200 acres of forest land over four consecutive days starting August 28. The Kenya Wildlife Service reports the fire has been significantly reduced and contained, with 62 personnel and community volunteers deployed, though strong winds hampered firefighting efforts in areas covered by bamboo vegetation.
An opinion piece uses the recent arrest of an impostor priest in Lodwar as a mirror to warn about deceptive political candidates seeking office in the 2027 General Election, comparing them to "wolves in sheep's clothing" who come with false promises.
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has defended his call to separate Mt Kenya East's political interests from the West, arguing that the region must take different political positions to ensure his constituents receive government development ahead of 2027. He accused DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua of insulting President Ruto and other leaders, creating a political dilemma for Mt Kenya East.
President William Ruto is expected to unveil a new police uniform on August 28, with over 6,000 graduating constables set to wear it starting August 31. The change marks at least the third significant general-duty uniform overhaul in under a decade, raising questions about why uniforms are easier to reform than actual police practices.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged at a press briefing that gas cylinders distributed to residents during the Ol Kalou by-election were among more than 200,000 cylinders seized from small-scale LPG traders in four counties between June and October 2025. He claimed the seizures were carried out by a police unit and accused officers of operating outside established procedures.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission summoned several people who breached the code of conduct in the Ol Kalou mini polls held on July 16, 2026, and fined and warned them through the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee process. She maintained that no malpractice was witnessed inside polling stations and that deployed officers ensured security and order were well maintained.
The High Court has granted Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha anticipatory bail of Sh 50,000 and barred the DCI and National Police Service from arresting or detaining him pending case hearing, after he moved to court over what he claims as pursuit by unknown persons.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has welcomed calls for an ICC investigation into political violence in Kenya, but countered opposition accusations against President Ruto by claiming opposition leaders are sponsoring violence and shifting blame to the government.
Human rights organization VOCAL Africa has written to the International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor seeking close observation of Kenya's deteriorating political and human rights situation ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing organized gang use at political gatherings, inflammatory rhetoric, attacks on journalists and protesters, and institutional failure as potential triggers for widespread violations.
An opinion piece argues that recent by-elections in Kenya marked by goon culture, voter intimidation, bribery, and violence reflect a broader democratic crisis across East Africa, with Tanzania and Uganda showing similar patterns of suppression and abuse of opposition figures and civil rights observers.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has given President William Ruto seven days to release the complete and unedited report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, which was submitted in November 2023. Maraga warned he will publish the report himself if the President fails to do so, citing unfulfilled recommendations including restoring police independence and ending what he terms systematic police brutality.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has given President William Ruto a seven-day ultimatum to publish the National Taskforce on Police Reforms report, which was submitted on November 16, 2023, citing incidents of chaos and violence as evidence of deteriorating policing under the current administration.
Constitutional lawyers Paul Muite and Willis Otieno have argued that displaying the President's portrait is a matter of political tradition rather than legal requirement. Under Kenya's Constitution, the national symbols are limited to the National Flag, National Anthem, Coat of Arms, and Public Seal, with no legal obligation to display the presidential portrait in private or public offices.
Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has challenged President William Ruto to release a police reforms taskforce report he chaired within seven days, or Maraga will release it himself. Maraga accuses Ruto of failing to implement the report's recommendations to restore National Police Service independence and end police brutality over nearly three years.
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has accused President William Ruto of using goons to suppress opposition and settle political scores, urging him to leave office if he has lost Kenyan support. Karua claimed the Kenya Kwanza administration sponsors attacks on opposition rallies and deploys goons alongside police to disrupt protests and assault demonstrators.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria told Citizen TV that President William Ruto will secure re-election in 2027 without needing support from Mt. Kenya, citing Ruto's strength in other electoral blocs around the country.
Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for using inflammatory language and intimidating fellow politicians, saying such tactics threaten Opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Munya called for mutual respect and structured dialogue among opposition leaders, particularly from the Mt Kenya region.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has warned politicians against fuelling political intolerance through inflammatory remarks and sponsoring criminal gangs, stating his office will pursue further arrests to safeguard peace and the rule of law. The warning follows the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia and comes amid heightened political tensions.
Peter Munya, leader of the Party of National Unity, has described former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a bully who uses intimidation and disrespectful language against fellow opposition leaders, calling on him to change his approach for opposition unity and warning he would not support Gachagua's presidential ambitions due to what he calls dictatorial tendencies.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told opposition-allied political parties to intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election, dismissing claims he was pushing politicians to abandon their parties for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Gachagua said his focus was on growing DCP's support while allowing allies to strengthen their own outfits.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denied that his Democracy for the Citizens Party is undermining other political parties in Mt Kenya, attributing DCP's growing popularity to aggressive grassroots mobilisation and urging rival parties to strengthen their own campaigns rather than blame DCP for its rise.
Democracy for the Citizen Party leaders in Nyeri County have called for the immediate release of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, arrested over alleged incitement remarks, characterizing the arrest as politically motivated. The leaders warned they would organize demonstrations if he is not released within 24 hours, accusing authorities of selectively applying the law against opposition figures.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto's Vision 2060 development plan, arguing the government should instead address immediate agricultural and economic hardships facing Kenyans, particularly farmers struggling with falling earnings and rising production costs.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed criticism of the government's Vision 2060 initiative, urging President William Ruto's administration to prioritize immediate economic and security challenges, including high cost of living, agricultural hardship, and insecurity, rather than long-term development plans.