Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka arrives at the compound of the Late Raila Odinga in Bondo, as he condoles with the family. [Dennis Kavisu, Standard] In Kenya’s political theatre, symbolism often speaks louder than extolled manifestos. Last Thursday’s visit of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to the historic Opoda farm in Bondo, hosted by Siaya Governor James Orengo, has ignited speculation and excitement across the country. Beneath the warm handshakes and photographs lies a deeper political undercurrent—one that could redefine the 2027 succession race and the very fabric of the Opposition. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0;…
Author: By Thomas Musau
United opposition led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a press briefing in Nairobi on 31st July 2025. [File, Standard] As Kenyans in the diaspora prepare to host Wiper party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka in the United Kingdom, mid this month, there are growing voices back home urging him to change into a more combative leader. That he should shout louder and trade insults with political rivals to appear “strong” enough for the presidency. But such calls are misguided. They misunderstand who Dr Musyoka is and the kind of leadership Kenya truly needs. Dr Musyoka is fine the way he is.…
Security officers keep vigil at Mvita tallying centre, Mombasa. [File, Standard] A recent gazette notice by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has deeply unsettled Kenyans living abroad. The notice announced continuous voter registration across the 290 constituencies, but went on to state that: “The Commission shall issue a notice for the commencement of registration of citizens as voters and the regular revision of the voters’ roll for citizens residing outside the country and prisoners.” This phrasing effectively lumps Kenyans in the diaspora with prisoners, placing them in the same category of restricted or exceptional citizens. For millions of…
Former President Mwai Kibaki signs the new constitution into law at a public function witnessed by the nation at Uhuru Park, Nairobi. [Courtesy] Fifteen years since the 2010 Constitution was promulgated, the document remains a powerful symbol of national renewal and democratic aspiration. Yet, as the Kenya Diaspora Technical Working Group (DTWG) rightly observes in its statement on Katiba @15, for the millions of Kenyans abroad, this promise remains incomplete. The Constitution was meant to transcend borders and unite all citizens under one framework of dignity, equity and participation. However, for the diaspora, its implementation has been partial at best,…