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“Our coalition stands firm!” Cherargei defends Kenya Kwanza after stunning Ol Kalou by-election loss

By
Vincent Amara
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In a frantic bid to contain the political fallout, Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei has scrambled to downplay the ruling United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) stinging defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Cherargei insisted that the loss does not undermine the structural integrity of President William Ruto’s broad-based coalition, nor does it dim its prospects for the 2027 General Election. His defensive remarks came in the immediate wake of a resounding victory by Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru popularly known as Sammy Ngotho.

Waweru’s insurmountable lead triggered a cascade of early concessions from high-ranking government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially declared Waweru the winner of the high-stakes mini-poll after he garnered a staggering 35,440 votes.

His closest challenger, UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, suffered a crushing defeat, managing only 5,450 votes in a seat formerly considered a stronghold for the ruling coalition. This monumental win hands the newly formed DCP its first-ever seat in the National Assembly, triggering wild street celebrations and prompting analysts to label the outcome a dramatic political referendum.

Dismissing suggestions that the outcome signals a collapse of public confidence in the Kenya Kwanza administration, Cherargei vehemently argued that the ruling party’s overall electoral momentum remains intact.

Pointing to UDA’s overwhelmingly dominant track record in other recent mini-polls, the Nandi Senator asserted that the party still boasts an over 99 percent win rate across recent contests. “To the naysayers, the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-elections 2026 does not in any way affect our broad-based coalition government because of all the recent by-elections we won except this one,” Cherargei stated, claiming this overall dominance will reflect clearly in the 2027 General Election.

Despite the ruling party’s attempts to minimize the loss, DCP leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was quick to frame the resounding triumph as a victory of the people over state machinery.

The by-election, triggered by the death of veteran legislator David Kiaraho in March, had evolved into a high-stakes proxy war between President Ruto and his estranged former deputy. Gachagua praised the electorate for resisting voter bribery, intimidation, and the “deception of development projects,” while commending Ol Kalou residents for guarding their ballots “despite the actions of rogue police officers armed with guns and tear gas.”

As the DCP celebrated its historic legislative foothold, senior UDA figures quickly moved to acknowledge the defeat. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki congratulated Waweru on his “imminent victory,” urging him to focus on unifying the constituency and serving all residents impartially.

Muchina also conceded defeat before the official declaration, posting a brief congratulatory message, while digital strategist Dennis Itumbi and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi publicly expressed their respect for the decision made by the electorate.

In stark contrast, opposition bigwigs have seized on the outcome as a monumental political turning point. Siaya Governor James Orengo declared that the results prove “the ground has shifted,” while Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni succinctly captured the shifting tides, asserting that “The Mountain has spoken.”

With the political tempests settled, Gachagua is scheduled to lead a highly anticipated “Thank-You” tour across all five wards of Ol Kalou.

Meanwhile, political strategists on both sides of the aisle are already regrouping, recognizing that the battle for the Mt. Kenya vote has officially entered a volatile new chapter.

DCP Makes History: Sammy Douglas Kamau wins highly contested Ol Kalou by-election

By
Vincent Amara
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In a historic political shift, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru has secured a landslide victory in the highly contested Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary by-election.

The triumph marks a significant milestone for the newly formed opposition movement, as Waweru officially becomes the first-ever Member of the National Assembly elected under the DCP banner. The highly charged by-election followed the death of long-serving lawmaker David Njuguna Kiaraho in March, which left the seat vacant and set off a fierce campaign battle in Nyandarua County.

Following the official declaration of results, DCP party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua extended warm congratulations to the MP-elect, framing the victory as a powerful reclamation of local democracy and community dignity. Gachagua lauded the residents of Ol Kalou for their unwavering resolve, praising the electorate for standing firm against state-sponsored intimidation and voter manipulation. In a statements-heavy address, Gachagua thanked the voters for refusing to fall for political deception and for guarding their ballots despite a heavy deployment of police officers and reports of tear gas on election day.

The victory is expected to inject fresh momentum into Gachagua’s rising political faction. With Waweru’s win, Gachagua emphasized that his parliamentary alignment has expanded, jokingly noting that he had previously been battling in the National Assembly with only eighteen loyal lawmakers and now possesses nineteen “soldiers” to defend the interests of ordinary Kenyans. He attributed the logistical success of the three-month campaign to the strategic planning of key regional allies, particularly Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Tetu MP Wanjiku Muhia Ngatha, alongside a coalition of supportive grassroots volunteers and ward representatives.

To personally express his appreciation to the electorate, Gachagua announced that he will embark on an immediate thank-you tour across all five wards of the Ol Kalou constituency. He concluded his message by challenging the newly elected MP to prioritize public service and diligently represent the constituents who stood by the party during the highly competitive election.

Senate puts Taita Taveta on the spot over free ECDE policy and low teacher pay

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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The Senate Standing Committee on Education has put Taita Taveta County on the spot over high parental costs in early education, low teacher pay, and gaps in compliance with national childcare policies. 

In a high-level consultative meeting at Parliament Buildings, the committee, chaired by Senator Betty Montet, grilled Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime and his executive team on the implementation of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the county. 

The session is part of a massive nationwide oversight campaign and Senator Montet revealed that the committee has already engaged 41 county governments and conducted 23 physical county visits to inspect foundational education and vocational institutions.

​Governor Mwadime presented an overview of the county’s achievements, noting that Taita Taveta currently operates 678 ECDE centres staffed by 326 teachers. Since devolution, the county has invested heavily in classroom construction, rehabilitation, and school feeding programs. However, the Senate was quick to point out significant departures from national standards. 

Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, the Committee’s Vice Chair, commended Taita Taveta’s clean documentation but raised immediate concerns about the physical learning environment, emphasizing that pre-primary classrooms must be equipped with child-friendly hexagonal tables to comply with the National Pre-Primary Education Policy. 

The county’s Acting Education CECM, Shedrack Mutungi, conceded that the county has yet to procure the recommended furniture, promising the committee that the funds would be allocated in the upcoming financial year’s budget.

​Another major point of friction was the lack of dedicated childcare services for children under the age of four. While Taita Taveta currently houses these toddlers within standard ECDE programs, the Senate noted this violates national policy frameworks. Senator Montet observed that the county has not yet established village-level Child Care Centres run by trained Child Care Officers. Governor Mwadime welcomed the feedback, admitting that the engagement serves as an important learning process to help the county align with national guidelines.

​The committee also took issue with the heavy financial burden placed on parents and the low compensation of Board of Management (BOM) teachers, some of whom reportedly earn as little as Ksh. 5,000 to Ksh. 10,000 per month. Senator Seki Ole Lenku urged the county to progressively absorb all ECDE teachers onto its payroll to guarantee fair pay and uniformity. 

Adding to the critique, Senator Johnnes Mwaruma reminded the county delegation that the National ECDE Policy clearly mandates that early childhood education should be free, warning that parents should not be burdened with extra fees for school operations. Governor Mwadime assured the Senate that his administration would review its budgetary allocations to ease the financial weight on local families.

​The consultation also touched on the county’s 31 operational Vocational Training Centres (VTCs). While fully staffed by county-employed instructors, Governor Mwadime admitted that low enrollment continues to plague these institutions, noting that only 924 primary school graduates and 1,143 secondary school leavers have transitioned into Taita Taveta’s VTCs since January 2026. 

To boost numbers, Senator Montet encouraged the county to keep upgrading and equipping these centers to lift the social stigma often associated with technical education, while the governor committed to improving special needs training and accessibility.

Media Council condemns police attacks on journalists in Kenya’s Ol-Kalou by-election

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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​The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned a series of violent attacks on journalists and the confiscation of their equipment during the Ol-Kalou constituency by-election. In a formal press statement issued on July 16, 2026, the council reported multiple traumatic incidents involving accredited media workers conducting lawful newsgathering activities in Nyandarua County.

​The MCK characterized these continued attacks as more than isolated violations of press freedom, labeling them instead as “deliberately orchestrated security actions.” According to the statement, these actions are intended to intimidate media workers into censorship and fear, thereby denying the public their constitutional right to accountable and peaceful electoral participation.

​The statement detailed specific instances of violence, including an assault on photojournalist Enos Teche of The Star newspaper, who was covering a standoff between residents and vehicles when armed, masked men fired shots and used teargas. The council stated that Teche was physically assaulted until his equipment was forcibly seized, sustaining a hand injury in the process.

​In a separate incident, the MCK reported that Nation Media Group journalist Brygettes Ngana and her cameraperson were assaulted by suspected plainclothes police officers, who also confiscated their camera equipment without cause. The identities of the attackers involved in these specific cases have not yet been confirmed, according to the council.

​David Omwoyo Omwoyo, CEO of the MCK, has called upon the relevant police command and the Inspector General of Police to take prompt and decisive action. The council is demanding that police leadership identify the officers involved, facilitate the unconditional return of all confiscated equipment, and cooperate fully with ongoing investigations into these attacks.

Marsabit steps up preparedness for expected El Niño Rains later this year

By
Binti Wangila
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The Marsabit County Government has intensified preparations to protect residents from the anticipated impacts of the El Niño rains forecast for October and November this year.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a full County Steering Group (CSG) meeting held on Thursday at Jirime Hotel and Resort, bringing together county and national government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders to review disaster preparedness and response plans.

Among those in attendance were Marsabit County Secretary Halkano Araro, National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Marsabit County Director Guyo Golicha, and the County Executive Director for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Janet Ahatho Ekalo.

The meeting reviewed the Long Rains Food and Nutrition Security Assessment report and received updates from key sectors including agriculture, livestock, water, education, health and nutrition, as well as peace and security.

Speaking during the meeting, County Secretary Halkano Araro said the county government, in collaboration with development partners, was implementing measures aimed at minimizing the impact of the expected El Niño rains.

“The county government, together with various partners, is continuing to implement strategies to ensure the anticipated El Niño rains do not cause significant harm to the people of Marsabit,” Araro said.

He noted that road rehabilitation projects are ongoing across the county, with several roads already repaired to improve accessibility and reduce disruptions that could result from flooding.

Janet Ahatho Ekalo, Director for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, said rising water levels in Lake Turkana have already affected communities living along the lakeshore.

She said the county government is planning compensation for affected residents while further assessments are underway to determine the full extent of the damage.

The leaders also resolved to conduct field visits across various parts of the county to assess challenges facing communities and collect accurate data. They said the next County Steering Group meeting will focus on validating the findings and developing appropriate response measures.

Meanwhile, NDMA Marsabit County Director Guyo Golicha reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to coordinating drought risk management activities, strengthening early warning systems, and working closely with stakeholders to support pastoralist communities.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for closer collaboration between the county government, the national government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development partners, and local communities to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.

Sifuna loses second key leadership position in a week

By
Binti Wangila
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has suffered another political setback after being removed as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, marking his second loss of a senior leadership position within a week.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the changes during Thursday’s afternoon sitting, saying he had received a letter from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo confirming Sifuna’s removal and the election of Migori Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch as his replacement.

The latest development comes just days after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) formally recognized Sifuna’s removal as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, ending months of uncertainty over his status following a National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution.

Despite the changes, Sifuna struck a conciliatory tone, thanking the Minority leadership and fellow senators for their support during his tenure.

“I thank the leadership and members for the cooperation they have given me during my time as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother, Senator Eddy Oketch, on his new role,” Sifuna said.

Oketch assumes the role of Deputy Senate Minority Whip with immediate effect as the Azimio coalition implements the leadership changes.

The twin developments underscore a significant shift in Sifuna’s standing within ODM and the Azimio coalition, where he has relinquished two influential leadership positions in quick succession.

US Intensifies Strikes in Iran

By
Newton Ingui
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The United States has intensified its attacks in Iran by targeting military facilities, while Tehran has retaliated by attacking Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, which are US allies.

Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator in this conflict, has urged the United States and Iran to continue the dialogue process. Tahir Andrabi, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated they believe the Islamabad agreement remains the cornerstone for maintaining lasting peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.

Meanwhile, an Iranian military spokesperson warned today that Iran will “dismantle” regional infrastructure in the Middle East if the US attacks its key sites. This follows threats made by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, who warned that if Tehran does not return to the negotiating table, the US will launch severe strikes on Iran’s power grid and bridges.

Taita Taveta Farmers urged to harvest Hay, join Cooperatives to beat drought and middlemen

By
Immanuel Mwakori
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Taita Taveta County livestock farmers have been urged to harvest and preserve pasture during the rainy season to cushion their animals against devastating feed shortages during dry spells.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sifa FM Voi, Taita Taveta County Livestock Production Officer Simon Titus noted that while farmers routinely struggle to feed their livestock during droughts, the ultimate solution lies in proactive pasture conservation when grass is in abundance.

“Storing hay during the wet season ensures a steady feed supply when the dry weather sets in, saving farmers from avoidable losses,” Titus explained.

To streamline agricultural support, the county officer appealed to farmers to organize themselves into self-help groups. He noted that extension officers can deliver targeted training, modern farming techniques, and direct government aid far more efficiently to organized groups than to individual farmers.

“It is much easier for agricultural officers to reach, train, and support farmers when they are structured in organized groups,” Titus added.

Beyond production, the county official challenged livestock farmers to aggressively register with Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (Saccos) to build financial resilience. Joining Saccos, he noted, will grant farmers quick access to affordable credit and emergency funding to boost their enterprises.

In addition to financial services, Titus strongly encouraged farmers to register with county-backed Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

According to the county official, these FPOs are designed to streamline market access, guarantee competitive prices for livestock and farm produce, and eliminate predatory middlemen who historically exploit scattered, unorganized farmers by buying their produce at throwaway prices.

Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako slams UDA, broad-based government leaders for failure to push for Mzima 2

By
Binti Wangila
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Wundanyi Member of Parliament (MP) Danson Mwashako has launched a scathing attack on local leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (Alliance) and the broad-based government, accusing them of failing to lobby for the implementation of the multi-billion-shilling Mzima 2 water project.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Sifa FM, Mwashako, who is serving his second term in the National Assembly, stated that leaders close to President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration have enough leverage to ensure the national government fulfills its promise of clean and safe water to the residents of Taita Taveta County and the wider Coast region. Mwashako noted, that despite their proximity to power, local ruling-class politicians have failed to push for the realization of this vital project.

“My colleagues in the UDA party constantly tell us they are working on development, but they have failed to prioritize the water crisis,” Mwashako said.

The MP said that despite Taita Taveta County being resource-rich, local communities continue to grapple with severe water shortages for domestic use, livestock, and agriculture.

According to the lawmaker, President William Ruto made a solemn promise during his 2022 campaign trail and within his manifesto to prioritize the Mzima 2 water project.

“When the President was seeking our votes, he promised us Mzima 2 water, but to date, nothing has been done. I urge our leaders, especially those close to the administration, to put pressure on the government to execute this project,” Mwashako urged.

He emphasized that while residents appreciate other national government initiatives such as the construction of markets and affordable housing schemes,water remains the ultimate priority. Resolving the water crisis, he argued, would automatically solve a myriad of other socio-economic challenges, including persistent resource-based conflicts within local communities.

The lawmaker, who has already declared his interest in the Taita Taveta gubernatorial seat, did not spare the county government either. He criticized the county executive for failing to allocate sufficient funds in its budget to address the water crisis.

Mwashako challenged the county leadership to proactively seek alternative solutions, including forging strategic partnerships with national and international donors to mitigate the shortage, rather than entirely relying on the national government’s Mzima 2 project.

“Why can’t the county government prioritize the water problem by dedicating adequate funds in its budget?” Mwashako questioned, pointing out that the biggest leadership failure in the county lies in the inability to protect, properly utilize local resources, and effectively prioritize community needs.

Beyond the Oil Wells: Turkana Looks to a 25-Year Economic Future as Commercial Production Nears

By
Kimani Karanja
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As Kenya prepares to transition into commercial oil production, residents of Turkana are looking beyond the first barrel of crude to what could become one of the county’s biggest economic transformations in history.

For many professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, the real prize is not the oil itself but the jobs, business opportunities and infrastructure that could emerge over the project’s expected 25-year lifespan.

The renewed optimism comes as Gulf Energy advances plans to commercialise the South Lokichar oil fields, with production expected to begin once regulatory approvals and project development are completed.

Professionals from Turkana are already pushing for the strict implementation of local content provisions under the Petroleum Act, insisting that residents must be at the centre of the industry’s workforce.

“We need to untap the potential within our local communities where they can transform the knowledge they already have about oil into practical expertise. That will make it easier for operationalisation and help achieve the production targets envisioned for the project,” one petroleum professional said.

Another stakeholder urged the government and the investor to honour local content commitments.

“The law is clear that 70 per cent of employment opportunities should go to locals. We are not asking for favours. We simply want the law implemented as it is written,” he said.

Women professionals have also appealed for greater inclusion in the sector.

Out of 55 applicants seeking opportunities in technical petroleum fields, only ten are women. The professionals are urging Gulf Energy to deliberately recruit and mentor more women to improve gender representation in the industry.

“We want to be part of the positive change and contribute to unlocking the natural resources beneath our land,” one of the female professionals said.

Their demands echo assurances given by lawmakers during the recent visit by the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Energy to Turkana.

National Assembly Energy Committee Chairperson Hon. David Gikaria said Parliament would ensure the South Lokichar Oil Project delivers meaningful benefits to the host community before giving its full backing. He said local employment, business opportunities, environmental protection and equitable sharing of benefits remained central to Parliament’s oversight of the project.

His Senate counterpart, Hon. Oburu Oginga, said the committee was committed to ensuring the project protects the interests of both the country and the people of Turkana through transparent implementation of the Field Development Plan and Production Sharing Contracts.

Unlike the Early Oil Pilot Scheme, which was largely experimental, the commercial phase is expected to run for approximately 25 years, creating sustained economic activity across Turkana.

The project is expected to generate hundreds of direct jobs in drilling, engineering, production, logistics, environmental management, health and safety, security and administration.

Thousands more indirect opportunities are anticipated through transport services, catering, accommodation, construction, equipment hire, fuel supply, waste management and other support industries.

Local businesses are expected to compete for contracts worth billions of shillings over the life of the project, while investment in roads, electricity, telecommunications and water infrastructure could unlock wider economic growth beyond the oil sector.

The project also presents an opportunity for skilled youth from Turkana who have studied petroleum engineering, geology, environmental science and other technical disciplines to secure employment closer to home.

Beyond employment, revenues generated from oil production are expected to support community development through investments in education, healthcare, water supply and other public infrastructure if revenue-sharing mechanisms are implemented effectively.

For residents of Turkana, the commercialisation of oil represents more than an energy project it is viewed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a county that has long grappled with unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment despite being home to Kenya’s largest oil discovery.

However, community leaders caution that the promise of oil will only be realised if commitments on local content, transparency and equitable benefit-sharing are honoured.

As the countdown to commercial production continues, the debate in Turkana is no longer about whether oil will be extracted, but about who will benefit from the wealth beneath the county’s soil over the next quarter century.

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