Tag: politics in Kenya

  • Wetang’ula moves to solidify Western Kenya voting block

    Wetang’ula moves to solidify Western Kenya voting block

    In a move seen as a masterstroke in grassroot mobilization, National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula has intensified his efforts to secure Western Kenya in favour of President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

    ​Following a series of high-level engagements with religious leaders and community elders across Bungoma County, the Speaker today met with teachers and their union leadership from across the county.

    This meeting marks a critical phase in his strategy to consolidate opinion leaders who hold significant sway over the region’s political direction.

    Addressing a gathering of educators, Wetang’ula assured the teachers of the government’s commitment to transforming the education sector, citing the recent employment of thousands of teachers and the ongoing recruitment drives as proof of President Ruto’s dedication to the “Bottom-Up” agenda.

    ​”Teachers are the heartbeat of our community. When you speak, the village listens. By aligning with President Ruto, we are ensuring that the stability and growth we see today continue for the benefit of our children,” Wetang’ula told the receptive audience.

    ​Political analysts term this move as “highly strategic.” By targeting teachers—who serve as informal advisors in every village — Wetang’ula is effectively building a campaign infrastructure that operates at the household level.

    ​The Bungoma meeting comes on the backdrop of yet another successful mission in Homa Bay and Migori counties last week, where the Speaker received a surprisingly warm and receptive welcome in what has traditionally been an opposition stronghold.

    His ability to charm audiences in the Nyanza region has signaled his growing influence as a national unifier and a key pillar in the President’s 2027 re-election machine.

    Wetang’ula has been credited as the “engine” behind the government’s successes in the 13th Parliament. As Speaker, he has played a pivotal role in: facilitating the passage of critical government bills and the Finance Acts, Maintaining stability within the House to ensure the government’s legislative agenda is not derailed, and Bridging the gap between the Executive and the Legislature to fast-track development policies.

    Wetang’ula is leaving nothing to chance. His systematic approach in Bungoma is being viewed as a blueprint for how the Kenya Kwanza administration intends to lock in the Western vote.

    ​As the political landscape shifts toward the next general election, Speaker Wetang’ula has made it clear: his mission is to ensure that Bungoma—and the wider Western region—remains at the high table of government by standing firmly behind President William Ruto.

  • Matiang’i rallies diaspora to vote, pushes for electoral reforms

    Matiang’i rallies diaspora to vote, pushes for electoral reforms

    Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has urged Kenyans living in the United States to actively participate in shaping their country’s future by voting in elections.

    Speaking during engagements with the diaspora community, the former CS reiterated the importance of translating patriotism into action through voting.

    “My brothers and sisters, whatever we do, unless we are participating in making that decision on who is going to make decisions for us, I mean, what are we going to talk about?,” he posed. “If we are not participating, we can only whine and complain about it,”

    Matiang’i expressed concern about the low voter turnout in the 2022 elections, highlighting that of the approximately 300,000 Kenyans residing in the U.S., only around 10,000 registered to vote, and fewer than 3,000 actually cast their ballots.

    In response, he announced plans to advocate for greater electoral access for Kenyans in the diaspora, starting with a formal proposal to increase polling stations in the United States from the current three to at least ten or fifteen.

    “We are going to form a small team that brings together leaders and representatives from other cities in the U.S,” he said

    “We have already started a process of both petitioning the IEBC and also with the prospective of going to court, if need be, to see to it that we have more polling stations here in the United States so that more Kenyans can vote,” Matiang’i added during the town hall meeting.

    Highlighting his extensive experience in government, Matiang’i asserted that he possesses a deep understanding of public administration.

    “After 10 years in Cabinet – including four as coordinator of government activities – I understand how government works, almost like the back of my hand,” he stated. “I know what needs to be done, and I’m ready to do it.”

    Having declared his intention to run for the Presidency, Matiang’i called on Kenyans at home and abroad to trust him with leadership and hold him accountable.

    “Since I have put my name on the ticket and I put my hand on this, my commitment is ‘hold me to account.’ I will not make excuses. I will not hide. I will not bend from responsibility. I will face responsibility head on and do the right thing,” he said

    He told the diaspora that their involvement should extend beyond remittances, underscoring the importance of choosing the leadership they desire for Kenya.

    “As the leaders or aspiring leaders, we can’t love your money and the remittance that you’re making, but we don’t love your contribution,” he said. “My first challenge to you wonderful people is that you need to participate in electing the leaders of Kenya, so that then you can hold people to account,”

    At the same time, the former CS stated that Kenyans must move beyond mere rhetoric when discussing governance issues.

    “If the middle class in Kenya actually wanted to change the country, they can. We can stay on X. It’s a good forum, we can engage, yes. But going to vote makes a difference. Because that way then you’ll be able to take decisions that affect the way in which your country is managed,” he remarked

    Matiang’i is in the U.S exacrly the same time as Former Deputy President and DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua.

  • Sell ideas not insults, Speaker Wetang’ula tells politicians

    Sell ideas not insults, Speaker Wetang’ula tells politicians

    Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has implored politicians to uphold peace and compete on ideas instead of insults.

    Speaking during a church service at the Christ the King Cathedral Church, Bungoma County, the Speaker warned that the actions were polarizing the nation at a time when unity of purpose was crucial if any development was to be achieved.

    “In the past, I have consistently said that we must uphold peace, because peace has no alternative in life, we may disagree but we must do so respectfully, we may compete but we must do so respectfully,” stated the Speaker.

    The Speaker calling on the church to pray for the nation amid the heated exchanges between leaders as glamour for control of the political space gains momentum.

    “Peace has no alternative , it’s the only path that guarantees stability, unity and progress for our society,” added Wetang’ula.

    Kanduyi MP John Makali who accompanied the Speaker stressing the need for the Church to take up the role of societal transformation and the instilling of good morals among the young people.

    The Speaker once again stating his commitment to the ensure the elevation of Bungoma town to City Status by ensuring the requirements for the attainment of the status was met.

    “I will ensure Bung’oma is upgraded to A City in my lifetime,” he said.

    The Holy Trinity Cathedral Church later held a procession to pray for different sectors within the Bungoma County government including the cereals board offices, the county assembly and executive offices, the markets and business premises and Kenya at large that may peace and prosperity abound.

    The Speaker was joined by Bungoma County First Lady Dr. Margaret Makelo and Kenyan Ambassador to the UAE, Ken. Nganga, Bungoma County Speaker Emmanuel Stigma and a host of MCAs.

  • The Big Conversation: Disorderly Political

    The Big Conversation: Disorderly Political

    The headlines of the past week in Kenya have been ranging from political chaos to, allegations of fake fertilisers to looming closure of non profit making government parastatals.

    George Kithi, an advocate of the High Court and David Alulu, a political commentator as well as economic analyst share their expertise perspectives of these highlights on the Big Conversation with Nick Ndeda and Angela Mwihaki.