Posts

Kenya Opposition faults President Ruto over failed EAC Leadership Role

Image
Kenya opposition has criticized President William Ruto over his performance during Kenya's tenure as chair of the East African Community (EAC).  This appears to stem from recent statements, particularly from opposition figures like Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Democratic Party leader), who described Ruto as "the worst EAC chairman since its formation." Key points from the criticism include: 1. Claims that Ruto failed to effectively lead or unite the regional bloc during his chairmanship. 2. Accusations of partisanship, such as in handling conflicts like the Sudan crisis (or potentially the ongoing eastern DRC tensions involving M23 rebels, Rwanda, and the DRC). 3. Broader perceptions of diplomatic missteps that undermined Kenya's regional influence, including strained relations with some EAC partners (e.g., perceptions of interference in DRC affairs or failure to address provocative statements from leaders like Uganda's Yoweri Museveni on territorial claims). These crit...

Floods wreck havoc in the Kenyan Capital, Nairobi

Image
Heavy rains have indeed caused significant flooding in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, over the past couple of days (primarily starting March 6, 2026, and continuing into March 7).  This has led to widespread disruption, loss of life, and property damage, turning major roads into rivers and exposing long-standing issues with the city's drainage and infrastructure. Key Impacts 1. Casualties: Reports confirm at least 10 people have died in Nairobi due to the floods. This includes 8 swept away by floodwaters (with some electrocuted) and others in vehicles. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with fears the toll could rise. 2. Property and Infrastructure Damage: At least 71 vehicles have been swept away or destroyed.  Homes in low-lying areas have been partially submerged, businesses disrupted (especially along roads like Kirinyaga, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, Uhuru Highway, and in areas like Grogan and South C), and power outages reported in places like Nairobi West. 3. Transport ...

Nairobi flooding that will send Sakaja Packing as Senator Sifuna reacts

Image
"Nairobi flooding that will send Sakaja Packing as Senator Sifuna reacts" appears to reference ongoing political drama and criticism surrounding recent heavy rains and flooding in Nairobi (as of early March 2026), where Governor Johnson Sakaja faces backlash for the city's poor drainage and response to floods.  This has fueled calls for accountability, with some implying it could politically damage or "send packing" and end Sakaja's tenure or influence. Nairobi has experienced significant flooding in recent days due to heavy downpours, turning major roads (like Jogoo Road, Langata Road, and areas in South C) into rivers, submerging vehicles, disrupting businesses, and causing widespread frustration among residents.  This is a recurring issue tied to inadequate drainage infrastructure, blocked systems, rapid urbanization, and alleged poor preparedness by the county government. Edwin Sifuna, Nairobi's senator and often a vocal critic of Sakaja, has reacted...

Why Treasury retained budget for Raila's office and pension

Image
The National Treasury of Kenya has retained the budget allocation for the office of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (and his associated pension) in the revised national budget for the financial year ending June 2026 (supplementary estimates tabled in Parliament recently). Key details from recent reports (dated March 6, 2026): The office budget was originally set at Sh63.27 million but was slightly reduced by Sh5 million (specifically cutting insurance costs), leaving it at Sh58.27 million. This covers operational expenses such as staff salaries (Sh8 million), rent (Sh14.8 million), fuel (Sh4.25 million), travel, communication, and other costs. The pension and benefits allocation for former prime minister and vice-presidents (including Moody Awori and Kalonzo Musyoka) remains unchanged at Sh86.4 million. This decision comes nearly five months after Raila Odinga's death, sparking public discussion and questions about why funding continues without an occupant in the office...

Alfred Keter receives a rousing welcome at Emurua Dikirr to the chagrin of UDA mandarins

Image
  Alfred Keter, the former Nandi Hills MP, received a rousing, hero's welcome from mourners at the funeral service for the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno in Emurua Dikirr (recently held amid the helicopter crash that killed Ng'eno and others). Videos and reports show crowds erupting in cheers, chants like "Wantam",  linked to his WANTAM movement, and loud applause as he arrived and spoke.  He delivered an emotional tribute and condolences, briefly pausing the proceedings due to the enthusiastic response. This moment stood out because prominent UDA figures like Oscar Sudi and others aligned with President William Ruto and Kenya Kwanza administration were reportedly present and watching.  Some accounts describe them appearing sidelined, "in disbelief," or "kicked out" of the spotlight, as the crowd's energy favored Keter—especially after he reportedly criticized the Ruto led government harshly in his speech including references to perfor...

Why UDA rejected ODM's Zoning Push

Image
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Kenya's ruling party under President William Ruto, has rejected the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)'s push for political zoning ahead of the 2027 general elections.  This stems from ongoing negotiations around their broad-based government arrangement and potential pre-election coalition. Zoning refers to an agreement where coalition partners agree not to field candidates in each other's traditional strongholds (e.g. barring UDA from contesting in ODM-dominated areas like Nyanza, parts of Western Kenya, and the Coast, and vice versa).  ODM has pushed for this to protect its parliamentary, senate, and county assembly seats, accusing UDA of "raiding" or encroaching on its bases by fielding or supporting candidates there. 1. UDA's rejection is based on several key reasons from party officials and statements: UDA positions itself as a national party with broad support across Kenya, not confined to ethnic or regional blocs. It ...

Ruto Lauds the outcome of Kenya Pipeline IPO Shares Subscription

Image
  President William Ruto has lauded the successful outcome of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO), describing it as a major milestone in Kenya's privatization agenda and economic recovery efforts. The KPC IPO, which concluded recently, was oversubscribed at 105.7%, with investors applying for more shares than offered.  The government aimed to raise approximately KSh 106.3 billion (about $825 million) by selling a 65% stake in the state-owned oil pipeline firm—the largest such offering in East Africa in local currency terms and Kenya's first major IPO in over a decade (since Safaricom in 2008).  Applications reached around 12.4–12.5 billion shares, leading to refunds for the excess and strong participation from local Kenyans (over 67% individually and through institutions), as well as regional investors from Uganda and Rwanda. In his statement (shared via his official channels, including Facebook and X), President Ruto expressed pleasure with the...