01 · Kenya · Analysis
Kalonzo takes opposition policy pitch to London
His London remarks put manufacturing and domestic investment at the centre of his economic pitch.
Kenya decides · 10 August 2027
Elections
2027
The permanent Political Headache desk connecting campaign claims, coalition moves, county contests and the conversations shaping the vote.
Time to the ballot
The clock is already political.
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01 · The race
Stories shaping 2027
Only coverage with a clear electoral consequence appears here.
02 · Kenya · Analysis
Waiguru declares 2032 presidential ambition and seeks a place in 2027 talks
The governor urges women to organise for senior office rather than wait for invitations.
03 · Kenya · Analysis
Passaris backs Wanga for 2032 as women leaders debate national succession
The endorsement is a political proposal, with no joint ticket announced.
04 · Kenya · Analysis
Nyoro rejects proxy label as opposition unity faces a public test
A Kajiado exchange exposes tensions beneath calls for a common presidential ticket.
05 · Kenya · Analysis
Matiangi and Nyoro joint appearances put opposition cooperation to the test
Their shared engagements show political contact across party lines, while Matiang’i says negotiations on a future coalition government remain unresolved.
06 · Kenya · Analysis
The ODM UDA electoral bargain faces a test over who gets what in 2027
ODM leaders are backing cooperation with Ruto while demanding a place on the presidential ticket, leaving the terms of the partnership central to the election debate.
07 · Kenya · Analysis
Pauline Njoroge appointment gives Linda Mwananchi a formal communications structure
The movement is assembling a presidential campaign secretariat, with digital and publicity roles among its first announced appointments.
08 · Kenya · Politics
Junet says party strength will shape bargaining over government alliances
The ODM leader warns smaller formations that negotiating power depends on political organisation.
09 · Kenya · Politics
Mudavadi challenges Sifuna’s party over national organisation
The Prime Cabinet Secretary argues that visibility must be backed by structures capable of contesting elections.
10 · Kenya · Politics
Sudi raises post-Ruto leadership contest while backing re-election
The Kapseret MP says a future nomination should determine who leads after the President.
11 · Kenya · Politics
Wanga calls for collective leadership to hold ODM together
The party chairperson says unity among its leaders is essential during the transition after Raila Odinga.
12 · Kenya · Politics
Nyoro puts free senior secondary education at centre of PPK agenda
The Kiharu MP points to his constituency model while pledging a national programme from January 2028.
13 · Kenya · Politics
Waiguru rules out Senate bid as she signals national ambitions
The Kirinyaga governor backs Calvert Njeru for senator while positioning herself for a national leadership role.
14 · Kenya · Politics
Duale proposes alliance of marginalised communities behind Ruto
The Health Cabinet Secretary outlines a political mobilisation plan ahead of the 2027 election.
15 · Kenya · Politics
Sifuna says he has saved traders’ Sh50 donations as a reminder of their trust
The Nairobi senator describes a bucket of small contributions as a symbol of the supporters behind his political ambitions.
16 · People · Opposition
Gachagua’s diaspora pledges: what a president can deliver
In Boston, Gachagua promised diaspora ambassadors, new consulates, local passport agents and nominated seats. Some need only a president; others need Parliament or the law.
17 · People · Opposition
Sifuna takes over The Equitable Party for 2027
The Nairobi senator was unveiled as TEP’s presidential candidate on 4 October. It solves his registration problem but adds another party to the opposition’s unity puzzle.
18 · Counties · Politics
Only 2 of 47 counties free MCAs from governors' purse
A year after a law created County Assembly Funds, the Controller of Budget says only Trans Nzoia and Marsabit had them running by June. Assemblies still depend on the executives they oversee.
19 · Kenya · Politics
Senators say no to nicknames on the 2027 ballot
A Senate committee has recommended rejecting a petition to let candidates use popular names on ballot papers. Aspirants who campaign as brands must change their names legally or use their ID names.
20 · Kenya · Accountability
IEBC freezes its election technology tender again
A fresh challenge has frozen the Sh9 billion Kiems procurement, days after the ballot paper tender was also suspended. The 2027 clock keeps running.
21 · Kenya · Politics
Uganda orders arrests as IEBC denies foreign voter claims
Kampala has ordered arrests of Ugandans shown in a TV exposé crossing to register as Kenyan voters. The IEBC says no evidence of foreign registration has been presented. Both claims now need testing.
22 · Kenya · Politics
IEBC to check party lists against the two-thirds rule
The electoral commission says candidate lists for 2027 should meet the gender threshold before they reach the ballot. Without a law to back it, the plan depends on parties and Parliament.
23 · Kenya · Politics
Gachagua says he would step aside for one opposition ticket
Speaking in Massachusetts, the DCP leader said he would drop his bid 'at 6:00 a.m.' if needed for a single candidate, while insisting he is the front-runner. His party still won't join Kalonzo's alliance.
24 · Kenya · Politics
Matiang'i takes Jubilee to the Coast and wins Kadu Asili
On a five-day Coast tour, the Jubilee leader secured Kadu Asili's backing and opened a Kilifi office. UDA's Hassan Omar hit back hard, and Kalonzo's own Mombasa tour starts Friday.
25 · Kenya · Politics
Oburu misses Raila mausoleum handover as ODM leader rests
The ODM leader sent apologies to Bondo and will step back from politics for weeks on doctors' orders. With Raila's anniversary days away, ODM must show who is steering it.
26 · Kenya · Accountability
Nyoro suspended for five days over pipeline IPO claims
Speaker Wetang'ula threw the Kiharu MP out after he refused to apologise for saying a 'high office' pushed pension funds into the Kenya Pipeline IPO. The claim is unproven; so is the denial.
27 · Kenya · Politics
Uhuru quits Azimio council chair as opposition regroups
Uhuru Kenyatta has resigned as chair of the Azimio council, now The Ukombozi Alliance. Kalonzo says there is no vacuum, but Jubilee's Jeremiah Kioni is already asking why his party is still inside.
28 · Kenya · Politics
Wamuchomba quits UDA, blaming Duale and double standards
The Githunguri MP says she will defend her seat on another party's ticket after the government failed to act on remarks by Health CS Aden Duale. UDA's Mt Kenya problem just got louder.
29 · Kenya · Accountability
NCIC tells CS Ruku to withdraw Mt Kenya remarks
The cohesion commission found the Public Service CS's July speech in Tharaka Nithi divisive and gave him seven days to respond. The ruling tests whether Cabinet members face the same rules as everyone else.
30 · Kenya · Politics
Ruto in Bondo: Raila library pledge and Yala compensation
At the dedication of Raila Odinga's mausoleum, the President promised a memorial library and said families of bodies found in River Yala will be considered for compensation. The politics were not far behind.
31 · Kenya · Politics
Babu’s free-meals pledge challenges Sakaja on cost as chapati complaints surface
Babu promises free meals while official county records show how Sakaja’s existing subsidy works.
32 · Kenya · Politics
Wiper pushes back on funeral ticket calls as Gachoka urges Kalonzo’s party to back Sifuna
Wiper’s denial and competing calls over the opposition ticket do not amount to an agreed presidential nomination.
33 · Kenya · Politics
Standard protest puts press protection in focus as DCI outlines election-security priorities
The company reports police protection at its headquarters; a separate DCI briefing outlines election-security priorities.
34 · Kenya · Accountability
New Politrack poll puts Ruto ahead: the questions behind the headline numbers
A reported September survey places Ruto ahead. Sample selection, fieldwork dates and methodological disclosure determine what readers can responsibly conclude.
35 · Kenya · Accountability
Judiciary seeks Sh50.7bn for election-year justice: what the budget debate must answer
The Judiciary has outlined its 2027/28 funding needs. The public test is how approved resources will support both election disputes and everyday court services.
36 · Kenya · Politics
Kirinyaga Wiper official disputes Kindiki’s regional endorsement
Kirinyaga Wiper official Gudson Muchina has challenged the claim that a recent elders’ endorsement settled who speaks politically for Mt Kenya.
37 · Kenya · Politics
Kalonzo challenges IEBC to demonstrate independence
Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the electoral commission to demonstrate impartiality as preparations for the 2027 election gather political attention.
38 · Kenya · Politics
Kalonzo’s Busia and Bondo tour tests his appeal beyond Ukambani
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has lined up weekend engagements in Western Kenya and Nyanza as he seeks support beyond his established political base.
39 · Kenya · Politics
Karua’s PLP plans a Nakuru organising base
Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party announced a county-office launch in Nakuru for Saturday, 26 September, as part of its grassroots organising programme.
40 · Kenya · Politics
Kibwana urges Linda Mwananchi leaders to contain divisions
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has urged Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and their allies to protect Linda Mwananchi from internal fragmentation and ethnic political mobilisation.
41 · Kenya · Politics
Kuria predicts a divided presidential contest
Moses Kuria has predicted that Kenya’s opposition will enter the 2027 presidential election without a single candidate, drawing a comparison with the divided contest of 1997.
42 · Kenya · Politics
Matiang’i announces Narok appearance with Nyoro and Orengo
Fred Matiang’i has announced a Narok visit for Sunday, 27 September, with Ndindi Nyoro, James Orengo and Jeremiah Kioni listed among the accompanying leaders.
43 · Kenya · Politics
NCIC’s early-warning work comes into focus amid rally violence
A Nation report published on 26 September says the National Cohesion and Integration Commission is working with other agencies and non-state organisations to identify possible conflict hotspots through an early-warning system.
44 · Kenya · Politics
Sifuna allies turn to party structures and coalition talks
Edwin Sifuna’s allies planned a closed-door meeting in Kiambu for Saturday to discuss their political organisation, nationwide campaigning and a possible agreement with Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.
45 · Kenya · Politics
Gachagua puts tourism and jobs at the centre of Dallas pitch
Rigathi Gachagua has argued that Kenya could earn more from tourism by improving how it markets its attractions overseas.
46 · Kenya · Politics
UDA changes its ward-election timetable
UDA has revised dates for a further round of ward-level grassroots elections, according to a National Elections Board notice reported by The Star on 25 September.
47 · Kenya · Politics
Gachagua pitches a diaspora-owned bank to Kenyans in the US
His Kansas City proposal focuses on remittance charges and ownership; it is not an announced or licensed new bank.
48 · Kenya · Politics
Gachagua takes diaspora tour to Kansas City
The DCP leader’s US itinerary moves on from Spokane and Portland, with further stops planned in Dallas and Boston.
49 · Kenya · Politics
Africa Check rejects fabricated Uhuru endorsement of Sifuna
An 18 September fact-check found no evidence for graphics claiming Kenyatta had abandoned Matiang’i for the Nairobi senator.
50 · Kenya · Politics
Jubilee’s succession debate puts Matiang’i and Kioni in focus
Kioni says he will seek delegates’ support as the party prepares for life after Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership.
51 · Kenya · Politics
Matiang’i challenges Ruto over the place of opposition in public life
The Jubilee presidential hopeful says criticism of government is democratic participation after Ruto’s remarks about Uhuru Kenyatta.
52 · Kenya · Politics
Babu shifts campaign work to Nairobi while backing Sifuna
He says he will attend fewer Linda Mwananchi rallies as he concentrates on organising across the capital.
53 · Kenya · Politics
Babu pledges school meals without parent charges in Nairobi bid
The Embakasi East MP also proposes cheaper business licences and changes to waste collection ahead of the 2027 governor’s race.
54 · Kenya · Politics
Kalonzo welcomes Safaricom ruling as Treasury prepares an appeal
The Wiper leader backs the High Court decision on the 15 per cent stake; John Mbadi says the government will challenge it.
55 · Kenya · Politics
Kalonzo announces Azimio rebranding as Jubilee prepares a leadership handover
His 15 September statement separates Jubilee’s succession from decisions that Azimio’s own governing bodies must take.
56 · Kenya · Politics
Kalonzo puts livestock insurance on his Garissa campaign agenda
The Wiper leader’s 12 September pledge targets losses from drought; funding and eligibility details remain to be set out.
57 · Kenya · Elections
Ol-Kalou’s voter-registration window opens on 21 September
IEBC’s enhanced exercise runs until 20 October, giving residents a fresh opportunity to register or update their details.
58 · Kenya · Opposition
Gachagua urges calm as Sifuna and Babu supporters debate the 2027 vehicle
The former deputy president says he has spoken to both leaders, while Babu continues to back Sifuna despite differences over party organisation.
59 · Kenya · Elections
Murkomen pledges secure 2027 polls as leaders call for political tolerance
The Interior Cabinet Secretary says security agencies are preparing for the election and warns against incitement.
60 · Kenya · Accountability
Editors put candidate scrutiny and journalist safety on the road to 2027
Zubeida Koome urges newsrooms to test campaign promises against records as the Editors Guild prepares its November convention.
02 · The players
Follow the people
Positions change. The archive remembers.
01
William Ruto
State House · Budget politics · Coalition management
Open profile →02Rigathi Gachagua
Central Kenya · Coalition shifts · Grassroots organisation
Open profile →03Edwin Sifuna
Senate · Nairobi · Opposition strategy
Open profile →04Kalonzo Musyoka
Coalitions · Opposition · Eastern Kenya
Open profile →05Fred Matiang’i
National politics · Public administration · Political alliances
Open profile →03 · The conversations
Political Headache on YouTube ↗Watch the race
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Tracking Ruto’s Billions of Expenditure in 2026
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