HP News, Nairobi (2026)

05/06/2026

A simmering power struggle within the DCP party has come to light, exposing deep cracks in former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's political vehicle just months after its formation.

Multiple sources within the party say relations between DCP leader Gachagua and his deputy, Cleophas Malala, have deteriorated sharply, with the two reportedly no longer speaking to each other.

At the heart of the fallout are growing concerns that DCP is increasingly being perceived as a Mt Kenya-centric outfit rather than the national party for all Kenyans, as it promised to become.

The tensions spilled into the public domain this week during Gachagua's appearance on Inooro TV, where the former Deputy President appeared to launch a direct attack on Malala without mentioning him by name.

"I had a strong ally from the Western region who recently called me and told me DCP has gone tribal and is only defending Mt Kenya interests," Gachagua said.

The DCP leader disclosed that he confronted the ally over the remarks, insisting that defending the interests of Mt Kenya residents should not be controversial.

"I scolded him and asked him whom he wants to defend the Mt Kenya people. I have since told him that my respect for him is gone," Gachagua said, in comments widely interpreted as an unprecedented public rebuke of his deputy.

Party insiders say Malala has become increasingly isolated within the DCP hierarchy and has been largely absent from key party activities, fuelling speculation that a major split could be looming.

The divisions have reportedly widened further following disagreements over party leadership positions.

Sources claim Malala recently issued an ultimatum to Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Gachagua's preferred choice for Secretary-General, linking his continued stay in office to the outcome of the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

The escalating fallout threatens to undermine Gachagua's efforts to build DCP into a formidable national political force ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Formed in the aftermath of Gachagua's impeachment, DCP has been marketed as the Mt Kenya region's party.

The emerging internal wrangles have reignited questions about whether the party can genuinely expand its footprint across the country.

Top party officials warn that a messy divorce between Gachagua and Malala could weaken DCP's national appeal and hand rivals fresh ammunition ahead of 2027.

05/06/2026

Siaya Governor James Orengo has laid down stringent conditions for any reconciliation efforts within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signalling that the growing divisions in the party may not be resolved anytime soon.

The governor, who has emerged as a leading critic of ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga, insists that meaningful dialogue between them can only take place after key concerns raised by his faction are addressed.

His position comes despite recent efforts by senior party members and mediators, including the Luo council of elders, seeking to bridge differences between rival camps.

At the heart of the dispute is ODM's evolving political relationship with President William Ruto's administration, a move Orengo and his allies argue has drifted away from the party's founding ideals.

Dr Oburu Oginga will defend his seat as Senator of Siaya in 2027 and has promised ODM will back President William Ruto's re-election with no conditions.

Governor Orengo however maintains that ODM must remain an independent political force committed to defending democracy, accountability and the interests of ordinary Kenyans.

Among the demands reportedly championed by Orengo's camp are a return to internal party democracy, respect for established party structures, protection of Kenya's multiparty political system, and a clear commitment to the principles that have historically defined ODM.

While ODM leader Oburu Oginga has recently expressed openness to reconciliation talks, Orengo has indicated that unity cannot be achieved through symbolic meetings alone.

He argues that the underlying political and ideological disagreements must first be confronted honestly.

The divisions have largely pitted leaders advocating closer cooperation with the government against those who believe the party should maintain a distinct opposition identity.

The wrangles could weaken ODM's influence as the country gradually shifts attention to the 2027 General Election.

Despite the tensions, Orengo insists his disagreements with Dr Oburu Oginga are based on principles rather than personal rivalry, maintaining that his objective is to safeguard the party's future and preserve its role in Kenya's democratic landscape.

05/06/2026

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) led by Rigathi Gachagua has resolved to distance itself from all Party of National Unity (PNU) activities in Meru County and across the wider Mt Kenya region, following an escalating clash between the two parties’ leaders.

The decision comes after a heated exchange between DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and PNU leader Peter Munya during a joint meeting of United Opposition principals held in Nairobi on Monday.

Sources within the coalition confirmed that the disagreement has deepened mistrust within the outfit, particularly in Mt Kenya where Uhuru allies in the united opposition, such as Peter Munya, Fred Matiang'i, Eugene Wamalwa are growing increasingly uneasy with Rigathi Gachagua's style of politics.

According to reports from the United Opposition secretariat, Meru Senator Mithika Linturi announced that DCP would not participate in any PNU-organized events in Meru.

Linturi, who is eyeing the Meru gubernatorial seat, described Munya as his political rival and vowed not to allow him to ride on the DCP wave in the region.

Both Munya and Linturi are contesting for the Meru governor’s position, setting the stage for a fierce local battle.

While other United Opposition leaders have embarked on a joint tour of Meru County, Gachagua opted to skip the trip.

Instead, he hosted DCP aspirants at his Wamunyoro home, signaling a widening rift within the coalition.

Political observers note that the friction between DCP and PNU has been intensified by the involvement of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is reportedly backing Munya’s gubernatorial bid.

Gachagua, on the other hand, has thrown his weight behind Linturi, further fueling the rivalry.

The growing tension reveals the ongoing supremacy battle between Uhuru Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua for political control of the Mt Kenya region, despite Rigathi Gachagua publicly saying Uhuru Kenyatta is still their leader.

04/06/2026

The national government has allocated Ksh 30 million towards the construction of a monument honoring the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Nairobi.

The initiative, which will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Sports and Culture in partnership with the Odinga family, is a significant step in memorializing one of Kenya's most prominent political figures.

On Thursday, Raila Odinga Jr met with government officials and engineers in Nairobi to review architectural designs for both the monument and his father's mausoleum in the capital city.

"We held a comprehensive review of the architectural designs and development plans for Baba's Mausoleum together with Hon. Ummi Bashir, CBS, Principal Secretary for Culture, Arts and Heritage, alongside the architectural team from the National Museums of Kenya and architects from the Ministry of Works," Raila Odinga Jr said in a statement.

The initiative is in response to widespread public demand for a permanent tribute to the late leader, whose political career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on Kenya's democratic journey.

Last year, a section of the Asian community in Kenya formally appealed to the Nairobi City County to approve the construction of a statue in Raila's honor.

Led by former Parklands MCA Jayendra Malde, the community described the proposed monument as a national symbol of democracy, unity, and patriotism, values that defined Raila's political legacy.

In their proposal to State House and City Hall, the group outlined plans for a life-size statue depicting the late Prime Minister in his characteristic grey suit and red-and-white striped tie, with his right hand raised in his trademark salute.

The monument is expected to be positioned at a prominent public site within the Nairobi Central Business District for accessibility to all Kenyans who wish to pay their respects to the late ODM supremo.

Civil society groups and supporters across the country have also joined the chorus calling for the construction of the memorial pointing to Raila Odinga's enduring influence on Kenyan politics.

04/06/2026

Rigathi Gachagua has declared that the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election will be a direct contest between his party and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on Thursday during a television interview, Gachagua revealed that the opposition has agreed to field a single opposition candidate in the July 16 by-election, which he described as a critical political test.

"We discussed the importance of having a single candidate in the Ol-Kalou by-elections. The Ol-Kalou by-election is clearly between the Democracy for the Citizens Party and the United Democratic Alliance."

Gachagua clarified that while the opposition coalition includes multiple political parties, electoral unity remains essential to defeating government-backed candidates.

However, he noted that other opposition parties are not barred from participating in the race. There are reports the Jubilee Party candidate has refused to step down from the race in favor of the DCP candidate.

"It is important to have a single candidate in the upcoming mini-polls, but there is no harm in having many candidates in the United Opposition," he added.

The by-election was triggered by the death of long-serving MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, who was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket in 2022 and was serving his third term.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared the seat vacant and scheduled the by-election for July 16, 2026.

03/06/2026

There is brewing tension in the Jubilee Party after members and aspirants from Olkalou Constituency in Nyandarua on Tuesday rejected the party’s plan to withdraw their candidate Eng Wilson Wainaina, from the upcoming Olkalou by-election in favor of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Ng'otho.

According to sources within the party, a group of Jubilee aspirants and grassroots leaders from Olkalou met senior party officials at the Jubilee Headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday morning to express their displeasure over the move.

The aspirants insist that Jubilee must field its own candidate in the by-election and in 2027 across Mt Kenya, arguing that stepping down for DCP would undermine the party’s influence in the region.

Reports from the closed-door meeting indicate that the aspirants told party officials they had already invested heavily in campaign materials for 2027 and mobilization efforts under Jubilee banner.

They expressed that their supporters were ready to campaign vigorously for Jubilee in the by-election and in the 2027 general elections, particularly against attempts by Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP to dominate the region.

The attendees of the meeting are further accusing senior Jubilee officials of lacking seriousness and commitment to rebuilding the party for the 2027 contest.

They are expressing frustration that the party's leadership appears disorganized and unprepared to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.

“The party cannot claim to be preparing to unseat President Ruto in 2027 while surrendering key political battles in its traditional strongholds,” one aspirant reportedly told the meeting.

The group now wants assurances from the party leadership that Jubilee would defend its political turf in Mt. Kenya and actively participate in all upcoming electoral contests.

The Olkalou by-election is expected to be a key test of Jubilee’s strength in the region at a time Rigathi Gachagua's DCP is mobilising to clinch the seat.

02/06/2026

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has declared that she will not participate in the united opposition campaigns if the outfit fails to rally behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Monday, June 1, 2026, Maina urged opposition leaders to set aside personal ambitions and agree on one candidate capable of challenging President William Ruto.

She told the opposition to recognize the magnitude of the task of removing Ruto and described him as a formidable politician with a strong national network.

“The opposition should not underestimate the challenge before us. While we are busy debating who should lead, the President is already consolidating his support across the country,” Maina said.

“If the opposition does not field a single ticket for the presidency, I will have no business engaging in national campaigns. The greater good of the republic must matter to us all beyond the satisfaction of personal egos.”

She cited recent opinion polls indicating that if elections were held today, no candidate would achieve the constitutional threshold of 50 percent plus one vote required for an outright victory, potentially leading to a runoff.

The MP called on the opposition to approach 2027 contest with unity and strategy, warning that a divided front would only strengthen the incumbent’s chances.

“This is not the time for fragmentation. It is the time for focus, discipline, and collective purpose,” she added.

Maina’s remarks come amid growing debate within opposition circles over coalition-building and leadership ahead of the next general election, as various political factions weigh their options in the race to unseat President Ruto.

02/06/2026

Busia Woman Representative and ODM acting secretary general Catherine Omanyo has dismissed the recent Linda Mwananchi faction rally held in Machakos on Sunday, May 31, 2026, describing it as a gathering of disgruntled political outfits seeking relevance through their association with the party.

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Omanyo maintained that the real ODM party rally was the event held at Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu County on the same day.

She insisted that the genuine supporters of late party leader Raila Odinga were in Kisumu and not at the parallel political gathering in Machakos.

"What you saw in Machakos was something I can define as a coalition of very many disgruntled little parties trying to cling on to ODM to maybe get some clout, but the real ODM was on Sunday at Kirembe grounds in Kisumu County," Omanyo said.

According to the outspoken legislator, leaders claiming to champion Raila's ideals should have attended the Kisumu event if they genuinely identified with the ODM leader's political philosophy and legacy.

"If they truly are children of Baba and they want to defend what Raila stood for, they could have been at Kirembe Ground and not Machakos," she added.

The lawmaker argued that the Machakos rally did not reflect the strength or direction of ODM but rather represented smaller political groups attempting to benefit from the party's influence and popularity.

Omanyo's remarks come amid growing political contestation within sections of the opposition, with rival camps seeking to position themselves as the true custodians of Raila Odinga's political ideals and the future direction of ODM.

02/06/2026

President William Ruto has defended the government's plan to establish an Ebola preparedness facility at Laikipia Air Base, saying the project is necessary to strengthen Kenya's ability to respond to future disease outbreaks.

Speaking during a roundtable interview with North Eastern journalists at the Wajir State Lodge on Monday, the president dismissed criticism surrounding the facility and urged leaders to avoid politicising public health matters.

"I am wondering why anybody would want to politicise and mobilise negative politics around a matter as serious as a pandemic," he said.

Ruto maintained that the government was acting responsibly in preparing for potential health emergencies.

"We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing. People should relax. Politicians should avoid reckless, unnecessary talk that doesn't mean anything," he insisted.

The president said the proposed facility forms part of Kenya's broader strategy to strengthen preparedness against infectious diseases through partnerships with international allies, including the United States.

He noted that Kenya has previously worked with the US government in addressing major health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and Ebola.

According to Ruto, the country already operates more than 20 specialised facilities across various regions to support disease surveillance and response efforts.

Ruto cited facilities located at Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Police Hospital, Thika Hospital and Alupe Hospital as examples of existing centres that support the management of infectious diseases.

He explained that the planned Laikipia facility would focus on screening, isolation and treatment in the event of an Ebola outbreak.

"These facilities are meant to make sure there is proper screening and, if there is any positive identification of people who have Ebola, they are immediately isolated and treated so that we avoid any spread of the disease," the president explained.

Ruto questioned those opposing the government's preparedness efforts, arguing that readiness remains a key responsibility of any administration.

"I want to ask those questioning our preparedness: what are they telling us? Are they saying we should not prepare? Are they telling us we should not be ready?" he asked.

The Laikipia facility has sparked debate among political leaders and residents, with some expressing concerns about its location and purpose.

However, the president maintained that such preparedness measures are essential for protecting public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases in recent years, but the government says proactive measures are necessary given the disease's history of outbreaks in the East African region.

30/05/2026

Members of the Siaya County Assembly are preparing to table an impeachment motion against Governor James Orengo following a crucial meeting with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Saturday.

The decision marks the culmination of failed reconciliation efforts between Governor Orengo and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who also serves as the ODM leader, according to reports from within the county's political circles.

Sources within the Siaya County Assembly reveal that the Saturday meeting resolved that Deputy Governor William Oduol would complete the remainder of the current term, with assistance from County Speaker George Okode, should the impeachment motion succeed.

In a statement following the meeting, CS Wandayi emphasized the political weight of the resolutions reached.

"The resolutions reached today carry immense political significance, as they reflect the collective position of the overwhelming majority of Siaya's elected county leadership," Wandayi said.

He added that the leaders had resolved to unite behind ODM Party Leader Hon. Oburu Oginga and work closely with UDA and other like-minded political formations in building a broad-based, progressive coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The impeachment plans come amid escalating tension between Governor Orengo and the mainstream ODM leadership.

Orengo, who now leads the ODM Linda Mwananchi faction, has found himself and his faction increasingly isolated from the party.

On Friday, Governor Orengo accused President William Ruto and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga of orchestrating violence that disrupted his political tour of Homa Bay County.

He claimed his convoy was attacked at multiple locations by hired goons.

According to Orengo, the attacks began shortly after his arrival in Mbita, where assailants allegedly damaged vehicles and targeted members of his entourage.

The impeachment motion, once tabled, will require the support of at least two-thirds of the county assembly members to succeed.

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30/05/2026

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