The newspapers of Thursday, March 5, reported on the political situation in the country, focusing mainly on the Linda Mwananchi group, which opposes efforts to turn it into a political party.
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported on the tension within the Linda Mwananchi group, which is currently struggling with efforts to register it as a political party.
The boundaries of the war have been drawn after an official objection was submitted against the request to register “Linda Mwananchi” as a political party, while the allies of the Secretary General of ODM Edwin Sifuna warning of an attempt to hijack their reform platform.
The Sifuna camp yesterday submitted a complaint to the Registrar of Political Parties, demanding that the application to register Linda Mwananchi as a party be rejected. They said they are the owners of the movement and separated from efforts to turn it into a political party.
The lawyers representing them wrote a letter to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) asking it to reject the request to retain and register “Linda Mwananchi” as an independent political institution.
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The objection, submitted by the law firm Henia Anzala and Associates, represents Sifuna, the Governor of Siaya James OrengoODM Deputy Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Kalasinga States (Kabuchai), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Barongo Obadiah (Bomachoge Borabu).
In their letter received by ORPP, the leaders explained that in recent months they have organized national meetings of the people under the slogan “Protect the Citizen”, placing it as a platform for reform against what they call bad governance in the government.
They say that the statement is now directly linked to their activism, and they warn that registering a party with that name without their participation could mislead the people and create confusion about the ownership and direction of the movement.
The objection came after the information that Charles Wanyonyi submitted a request to ORPP to preserve and register “Linda Mwananchi” as a political party.
The Registrar confirmed that the application is being evaluated in accordance with the Political Parties Act.
In their complaint, the leaders gave three main reasons. They said the proposed party is not related to the founders of the “Linda Mwananchi” slogan, which they say was based on civil meetings and people’s meetings, and later became the recognized identity of their reform agenda.
They also said the approval of the party could open the door to fraud against the public.
They warned that the party could use their names, pictures and fame to get money fraudulently from citizens or other institutions.
“Considering the above, our clients request that your office reject and prevent this attempt to defraud Kenyans through politics…”
The group also based its objection on constitutional grounds, citing Article 10 and Chapter Six of the Constitution regarding national values and integrity.
They said their political participation is based on transparency, responsibility and respect for the principles of democracy, and that any action that can mislead the people will weaken those principles.
At the same time, the Parliamentary Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations also entered the debate, expressing concern about the meaning of the name “Linda Mwananchi.”
Yesterday, Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, who is the chairman of the committee, said that the name—which means “Protecting the Citizen”—could confuse constitutional boundaries regarding national security duties.
Koech said protecting citizens is the unique role of national security agencies such as the Kenya National Police Service and the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).
He also referred to Kenya’s former military operation, Operation Linda Nchi, saying such names in politics can evoke the image of military groups.
2. The Star
The Star newspaper reported on a new opinion poll showing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino with a good chance heading into the next election.
Sifuna is leading in the Senate race with 47.5%, beating Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o) with 21.6%.
Joshua Oluoch, head of research at Radio Africa Group (RAL), said Sifuna’s strong leadership shows that he has a solid base of voters and could fuel rumors about his intention to run for the presidency, especially with leaders from Bungoma asking him to think about it.
The survey was conducted between July 25–27 using computerized interviews with 500 registered voters in Nairobi, with an error rate of +4.4%.
The results show 73% of respondents want Sifuna to seek higher office or explore opportunities outside ODM, a sign of changing political sentiment.
In the gubernatorial race, Babu Owino has 42% support, leading by 24 points against the Governor Johnsonwho has 17.6%.
Oluoch said Sakaja’s decline is huge and makes the race look one-sided at the moment.
Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri, who recently joined the fray, has 8%, while Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa has 7.1%, seen as Babu’s main opponent within ODM.
Other candidates include:
- Moses Kuria – 6.3%
- James Gakuya – 5.7%
- Tony Gachoka – 4.1%
About 3.5% are undecided, while 5.7% reject all options.
The study also measured Sakaja’s performance:
- 70% of Nairobi residents said its performance is average or bad
- 2.4% said it is very good
- 27% said the county government fulfills its responsibilities.
The main issues that concern voters are:
- Unemployment – 24%
- Security – 24%
- Cost of living – 20%
Division within the UDA party adds to the difficulty.
Research shows that if UDA candidates were to unite behind one candidate, they could get 42% of the vote, but internal divisions make that look difficult.
Karauri, although he was not elected on the UDA ticket, seems to be close to the party, which adds to the complexity of politics.
In the race for Nairobi Women’s Representative, the incumbent Esther Passaris he leads with 23%, but he has announced that he will run for the Makadara parliament, so that position will remain open.
Others are:
- Millicent Omanga – 14.9%
- Scophine Aoko – 13%
- Hanifa Adan – 10.4%
- Crystal Asige – 9.2%
- Karen Nyamu – 8.8%
- Corazon Kwamboka – 4.7%
- Tabitha Mutinda – 2.9%
Overall, the poll shows Nairobi’s political landscape is highly volatile, with voters’ preferences shifting and no clear winners in some key positions.
The results show that the next election will be fiercely contested, and the candidates will have to change quickly according to the voters’ priorities.
4. The Standard
The Standard newspaper reported that some members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) who want to remove Governor Johnson Sakaja from power have said they have the number of votes needed to present the motion, although they admit there are still challenges.
However, a group of Azimio MCAs opposes the move.
As of Tuesday, MCAs led by Deputy Minority Leader Waithera Chege and Godfrey Majiwa (Baba Dogo) said they are confident they have reached the required level.
“The level required to submit a motion to remove the governor is 42 members, and we have already reached and exceeded that number,” said Waithera.
Some ward representatives said about 56 have signed the motion, which is now awaiting confirmation by the Clerk of Parliament.
“We cannot reveal the signatures we have collected until they are officially received by the Clerk. But we have already reached and exceeded the required level. It is a sad thing that the Speaker, who should be the judge of justice, is not there,” Waithera added.
At the same time, ODM MCAs led by Majority Leader Peter Imwatok opposed the motion saying there is a new cooperation agreement with the national government.
“We stand firm for the unity, stability and development of Nairobi. Our goal is to serve the residents, not to engage in unnecessary politics,” said Imwatok.
They said the plan to remove the governor is inappropriate and has been brought at the wrong time.
However, some ODM members did not attend the meeting claiming they were forced.
Among them were Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Majiwa, who support Sakaja’s ouster.
They challenged their opponents to allow the argument to be debated in parliament.
“I have seen them claiming that they have the number of votes. If you really have, why don’t you allow the motion to be presented in parliament? Only then can the number of votes be confirmed,” said Alai.
Majiwa, a former mayor of Nairobi, said the only way to resolve the issue is to let the argument continue.
Another ODM member, Jared Akama (Mugumoini), admitted that Nairobi has many challenges but said the partnership agreement was aimed at solving them.
“The motion to remove the governor should not continue at this time. As MCAs, we should give ourselves time to manage the implementation of the agreement between the President and the Nairobi County Government,” he said.
Kitusuru MCA Alvin Palapala, who has previously criticized Sakaja, admitted that the planning department still has challenges but said he prefers to focus on work in his ward.
“Nairobi has problems, but I have decided to focus on my ward. I don’t want to get into a political battle. I have a job to do for the people,” he said.
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