Author: By Brian Kisanji

Vihiga Senator and ODM Deputy Party leader Gofdrey Osotsi at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on March 10, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has warned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) risks implosion if internal disputes are not addressed through structured consultations and respect for party democracy. Speaking during a media briefing in Vihiga, Osotsi urged ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga to prioritise wide consultations in handling emerging divisions within the party, warning against unilateral decisions that could deepen fractures. This comes after Oburu’s declaration that the party is not seeking either the presidency or the deputy presidency in coalition talks with the United Democratic…

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President William Ruto with Prime Cabinet Secretary during a meeting at State House, Nairobi. [PCS] Thursday’s High Court ruling that nullified the merger between the Amani National Congress (ANC) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has triggered sharp reactions across Western Kenya. The ruling, which revisited the legality and process of the ANC–UDA merger, comes at a critical time of political realignments in the country, even as former ANC party officials insisted the decision has largely been overtaken by political events on the ground. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue…

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As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, Western Kenya has once again emerged as a decisive political battleground. With more than 2.6 million registered voters across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia counties, the region has enough numerical weight to influence a presidential contest. Yet, despite its potential, Western Kenya approaches the next election deeply fragmented, internally divided, and uncertain about converting its numbers into lasting national power. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized…

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As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, Western Kenya has once again emerged as a decisive political battleground. With more than 2.6 million registered voters across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia counties, the region has enough numerical weight to influence a presidential contest. Yet, despite its potential, Western Kenya approaches the next election deeply fragmented, internally divided, and uncertain about converting its numbers into lasting national power. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters…

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during an interview in Nairobi, December 22, 2025.  [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The rivalry between Cyrus Jirongo and Musalia Mudavadi defined Western Kenya’s power dynamics for more than two decades. For years, their names symbolised influence, wealth, daring ambition and political audacity on the national stage, embodying the region’s long search for a dominant political figure. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in…

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during an interview in Nairobi, December 22, 2025.  [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The rivalry between Cyrus Jirongo and Musalia Mudavadi defined Western Kenya’s power dynamics for more than two decades. For years, their names symbolised influence, wealth, daring ambition and political audacity on the national stage, embodying the region’s long search for a dominant political figure. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `;…

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during an interview with The Standard team. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, the political spotlight has shifted sharply to Western Kenya, where leaders are now openly demanding a bigger stake in national power. At the centre of the debate is a growing push for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to be picked as President William Ruto’s running mate in the next election. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)); }…

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during an interview with The Standard team. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, the political spotlight has shifted sharply to Western Kenya, where leaders are now openly demanding a bigger stake in national power. At the centre of the debate is a growing push for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to be picked as President William Ruto’s running mate in the next election. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience…

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The Integrated fish farming system at Nyang’ori Boys High School in Vihiga.[Brian Kisanji, Standard When Zinath Deen began fish farming more than a decade ago, she never imagined that a day would come when she would stand on her small farm in Jepkoyai and watch hundreds of fellow farmers across Vihiga embrace the same venture. For years, she worked quietly around her ponds—sometimes alone, misunderstood, and wondering whether fish farming could ever find a place in a county long defined by maize and vegetables. Her journey started in 2013 after attending a workshop on improved fish farming practices in Nairobi.…

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‎President William Ruto launches the Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriageway at the Total Junction in Mau Summit. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The just-concluded by-elections were widely viewed as a litmus test of party strength and candidate appeal ahead of the 2027 General Election. Overall, President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gave the United Opposition a serious challenge, winning multiple seats across the country. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already…

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‎President William Ruto launches the Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriageway at the Total Junction in Mau Summit. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The just-concluded by-elections were widely viewed as a litmus test of party strength and candidate appeal ahead of the 2027 General Election. Overall, President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gave the United Opposition a serious challenge, winning multiple seats across the country. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)); } .paywall-container { position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; padding: 25px; border:…

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President William Ruto campaigns for his UDA candidate David Ndakwa during official commissioning of Malava- Samitsi- Navakholo road at Malava junction on October 3o, 2025.[Benjamin Sakwa/Standard] The death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ignited fresh political realignments across the Western region. In the aftermath, President William Ruto has turned his focus to Western Kenya, a region long regarded as Raila’s political stronghold. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards…

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President William Ruto campaigns for his UDA candidate David Ndakwa during official commissioning of Malava- Samitsi- Navakholo road at Malava junction on October 3o, 2025.[Benjamin Sakwa/Standard] The death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ignited fresh political realignments across the Western region. In the aftermath, President William Ruto has turned his focus to Western Kenya, a region long regarded as Raila’s political stronghold. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards…

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The late Raila Odinga with George Khaniri,Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula arrive at Supreme Court Nairobi to follow Nasa filed petition hearing 28/08/17. [FILE,Standard] Raila Odinga’s political influence in Western Kenya spanned more than two decades, shaping the region’s alliances, leadership, and reform agenda. At one point, he even claimed lineage from the Wanga Kingdom, famously referring to himself as a grandchild of the famous King Nabongo Mumia, a gesture that deepened his bond with the Luhya community. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content…

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Vihiga Senator and the Chairperson County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee Godfrey Osotsi during the Committee meeting at Bunge Tower, Nairobi on March 10, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] A section of senators has assured county governments of their commitment to push for increased funding in the 2025/26 Division of Revenue Bill, vowing to stand firm on the Senate’s proposal to allocate counties Sh465 billion. Led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Nairobi’s Edwin Sifuna, the lawmakers insisted they would not accept anything less in the ongoing mediation process between the National Assembly and the Senate.  The mediation follows the…

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Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. [File, Standard] The political landscape of Western Kenya has long been elusive. Now, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya is emerging as a bold and outspoken leader, challenging the region’s entrenched political order. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in The political landscape of Western Kenya has long been elusive. Published Date: 2025-06-01 00:00:00 Author: By Brian Kisanji Source: The Standard

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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi during funeral  mass service of Malava MP Malulu Injendi at Lugusi village in Malava on March 3, 2025. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] Leaders from Western Kenya have launched an ambitious campaign to unite the region ahead of the 2027 general elections, aiming to consolidate political power and position the Luhya community for national leadership. At a high-profile event held at Shamakhokho Secondary School in Hamisi, Vihiga County, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led calls for unity, urging residents to rally behind the Kenya Kwanza government.…

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Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Vihiga branch Secretary General Sabala Inyeni. [File, Standard] Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Vihiga branch officials have criticised the National Assembly Education Committee’s decision to reject the recent promotion of more than 25,000 teachers. The officials accused the lawmakers of overreaching their mandate and interfering with the professional independence of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Kuppet officials led by Vihiga branch Secretary General Sabala Inyeni, said the move as unlawful and detrimental to the morale and career progression of teachers nationwide. “The decision by MPs to demand the cancellation of…

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