Phode News Hub

  The UDA Aspirants Forum (also referred to as the UDA Aspirants' Forum or UAF) is an initiative by Kenya's ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, led by President William Ruto.  It serves as a platform for individuals interested in contesting various elective positions in the 2027 General Elections on the UDA ticket. Key Details Purpose : The forum aims to register and engage aspiring candidates (aspirants) early, promote party unity, provide guidance on party rules/values/expectations, strengthen leadership capacity, and prepare for a structured, credible nomination process.  It helps consolidate support and build grassroots momentum for the party's re-election strategy. Inaugural Event : The first (inaugural) UDA Aspirants Forum took place today, February 4, 2026, at State House, Nairobi.  President William Ruto, Deputy President (and UDA Deputy Party Leader) Kithure Kindiki, Secretary General Sen. Hassan Omar Hassan, and other party leaders addressed the ...

  Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General, appeared on Citizen TV's The Explainer program on February 3, 2026, hosted by Yvonne Okwara.  It was a highly anticipated and explosive interview, marking his return to the media after months of relative silence amid internal ODM turmoil, speculation about his role, and debates over the party's future direction following the death of Raila Odinga. The interview drew massive attention across Kenya, with clips and reactions flooding social media (especially X).  It addressed key issues like party leadership changes, potential coalitions with the government, Raila's legacy, and Sifuna's personal stance. Key Highlights from the Interview 1. On ODM Leadership and Oburu Oginga: Sifuna distanced himself from the meeting that installed Dr. Oburu Oginga (Raila's brother) as interim party leader, stating he was not privy to it.  He was part of the delegation retrieving Raila's body...

  Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned as CEO of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya. The announcement came just over a week after the United Opposition (including leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and others) visited IEBC headquarters in late January 2026 to present "irreducible demands." These included: 1. The immediate sacking/resignation of CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan. 2. Termination of the contract with Smartmatic (the election technology provider linked to the 2022 elections). 3. Broader institutional reforms to restore public trust ahead of the 2027 General Election. Opposition leaders accused Marjan of bias, poor performance in past elections, and failing to ensure free and fair polls, labeling the IEBC as overly aligned with the ruling administration (e.g., a "William Ruto Commission"). Background on Marjan:  He has been IEBC CEO since March 2022 (confirmed after acting in the role), having joined the commission in ...

 As of February 3, 2026, the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party has undergone significant leadership changes amid internal realignments, resignations, and efforts to address post-2022 election challenges and opposition dynamics. Key recent developments include: 1. Appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as new party leader:  During a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta (the coalition's chairperson), Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka was appointed as the new party leader of Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party.  This marks a major shift in the coalition's top leadership structure. 2. Replacement of Secretary General:  Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has taken over as secretary general, replacing Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.  This change follows earlier internal pressures and calls (notably in January 2026) from some affiliate parties for Junet Mohammed's removal from leadership roles, citing concerns o...

On February 3, 2026, Kenya's High Court dismissed a fresh bid by President William Ruto's 21 presidential advisors to suspend (or stay) an earlier ruling that declared their appointments unconstitutional and null and void. The original judgment was delivered on January 22, 2026, by High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye.  It ruled that the creation and staffing of these advisory offices violated the Constitution and statutory requirements for public offices.  The court ordered the immediate cessation of their salaries, allowances, and benefits.  The case originated from a petition by the Katiba Institute, a public interest group that challenged the appointments. Following the ruling, the advisors—including notable figures like economist David Ndii—filed an urgent application (under a Certificate of Urgency) seeking a temporary suspension of the judgment, reportedly for 180 days.  This was intended to allow them time to lodge and pursue an appeal at the Court of Appeal with...

  Kenya has officially launched green number plates for all electric vehicles (EVs), including cars, motorcycles (such as e-boda bodas), and other categories, effective immediately as of February 3, 2026. The announcement was made by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir during the high-profile launch of the National Electric Mobility (e-Mobility) Policy at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.  Chirchir, representing President William Ruto at the event, unveiled and displayed the new plates, describing them as the "new kid in town" and a visible "signature" of Kenya's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport. The green reflective plates feature green lettering and borders on a white background (with the Kenyan flag emblem), to be displayed on both the front and rear of EVs. This distinguishes them from standard plates: white/yellow for ordinary vehicles, red for diplomats, blue for parastatals...