President Paul Kagame strode to Amahoro Stadium for the opening match between APR FC of Rwanda and the mighty Gor Mahia, wuod Ogalo.
The President, after entering the venue in the 68th minute, greeted a few officials and then settled on a seat reserved for him to cheer the home team during the 2026 CECAFA-Kagame Cup.
The Arsenal diehard, even before he could swallow saliva, received a greeting from his namesake Paul Okoth, who tapped in to give Gor Mahia the third goal.
Okoth marked his entry into K’Ogalo in style by flooding butterflies in the President’s stomach.
Bad manners
Gor Mahia forgot the code of conduct and how to behave in front of the President and continued with their bad manners on the field.
Technically, Gor Mahia were superior, calm on the ball, and dictated terms before adding more pain to the President by adding two more goals.
The stadium went silent, and some fans could not hold any longer the humiliation and opted to walk out before the final whistle.
The stadium, which was packed to the brim with home fans cheering and dancing, soon became deserted as the spirits of Mahia descended in Kigali and tormented the country.
In their droves, the country retreated back home wondering what could have befallen them. The defeat was so painful in front of the country’s strongman. Just imagine.
New signings
The match allowed the new signings to give account of themselves, and indeed, they excelled. Every bit of time they got was well deserved. Gor got value for their money.
Salute
Football Kenya Federation wrote: “Congratulations to Gor Mahia FC on a commanding 5-0 victory over APR FC in your CECAFA Kagame Cup opener. A brilliant performance and a proud statement for Kenyan football on the regional stage. Wishing you continued success in the tournament.”
Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo wrote: “An excellent start, with an emphatic win. Congratulations K’Ogalo!”
Former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda wrote: “Congratulations Gor Mahia… You have issued a statement, well received!”
FKF President Hussein Mohammed wrote: “Congratulations Gor Mahia FC. That was an impressive and emphatic start to the CECAFA Kagame Cup, a performance that sets the tone for the campaign ahead. Best of luck in your next assignment.”
Sweet revenge
In 2008, APR FC humiliated Gor Mahia in Nairobi during the CECAFA Cup. Last night, Gor Mahia had the last laugh. The sweetest. For 17 years, Gor waited patiently, and before the President, the revenge was served cold.
Ahead of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Sunday homecoming, a new opinion poll has shown a steady rise, displacing other opposition presidential aspirants as the likely and preferred challenger to President William Ruto.
The poll by TIFA revealed that support for Ruto stagnated in the months of May and June, remaining at 24 percent, while Sifuna had a significant rise from 0 to 15 percent.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who had been touted as a possible joint opposition presidential candidate and even received the backing of DP Party leader Justin Muturi, is on a downward spiral.
Kalonzo, who had peaked at 25 percent, has witnessed a significant drop to 13 percent in June.
Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, smarting from an awful performance of the party in the Ol Kalou by-election and who was touted as a frontrunner earlier at 32 percent, has currently declined to 14 percent in the May-June polls.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite winning the Ol Kalou by-election and controlling Mt Kenya, is yet to hit double digits. He peaked at 9 percent and has declined to 7 percent.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino at the beginning showed a steady rise, peaking at 8 percent in 2025, but expressed his interest in the Nairobi governor seat. Thus he has become dormant in the race but was still polled at 2 percent.
Other presidential aspirants peaked at 8 percent in 2025 but have now slumped to 2 percent.
The undecided
The poll shows that one in five of the people polled were undecided, marking a significant 20 percent. But this scenario is likely to change as we progress to the election.
Why Ruto’s broad-based approach is a worry
The poll shows that 44 percent of ODM supporters back Sifuna, and he only enjoys 20 percent of support from Matiang’i, 9 percent from Kalonzo, 4 percent from Maraga, 2 percent from Babu, 4 percent from Gachagua, 1 percent, while 13 percent remain undecided.
More worrying is the Linda Mwananchi versus Dr Oburu Oginga-led Linda Ground. Linda Mwananchi recorded a slight increase in support from 73 percent to 74 percent. The supporters are consolidating behind the Linda Mwananchi position.
For Linda Ground, it is on a downward spiral from 24 percent in May to 20 percent in June, and it continues to lose ground.
ODM and UDA decline
The poll shows that support for both UDA and ODM has steadily declined after the 2022 elections, while DCP is the new kid on the block.
ODM declined sharply in August 2022 from 29 percent to 11 percent in September 2025 but regained gradually to 20 percent in June 2024.
UDA has witnessed a sharp drop from 33 percent in August 2022 to 15 percent in September 2025 and gained a slight recovery to 17 percent in June.
DCP has shown steady increase from 6 percent to peak at 14 percent in May 2026 but dropped to 12 percent in June.
Jubilee Party has maintained steady growth from 3 percent in August 2022 to 12 percent in May 2026 and settling at 11 percent in June.
Wiper Party has also witnessed gradual increase from 4 percent in September 2025 to 9 percent in May and back to 8 percent in June.
DAP-K and Ford-K have been consistent at 1 percent and remain marginal players.
The undecided peaked at 42 percent in September 2025 but has whittled to 28 percent in June.
Parties’ preferred candidates
For UDA, Ruto remains the preferred candidate at 84 percent, while Kalonzo gets 3 percent, and Sifuna, Matiang’i, and Gachagua stand at 2 percent each.
For DCP, Gachagua is at 44 percent, followed by Kalonzo at 19 percent, Matiang’i at 15 percent, Sifuna, Babu, and Ruto at 2 percent respectively.
For Jubilee Party, Matiang’i leads at 73 percent, Ruto at 6 percent, Sifuna and Kalonzo at 4 percent each, Gachagua at 3 percent, and Babu at 1 percent.
For Wiper, Kalonzo’s preference is at 90 percent, Ruto at 3 percent, Sifuna at 2 percent, and Babu at 1 percent.
MCAs and staff from Kisumu County Assembly have welcomed the confirmation of Mr Nashon Kusina Opanga as Acting Clerk of the Assembly following the retirement of long-serving Clerk Mr Owen Ojuok.
Ojuok has proceeded on his terminal leave ahead of his retirement next month, bringing to a close a remarkable career marked by commitment, integrity and exemplary leadership.
Consequently, in accordance with Section 21 of the County Assembly Services Act, No. 24 of 2017, Kusina has assumed the role of Acting Clerk pending the recruitment of a substantive Clerk of the County Assembly.
Having served as Deputy Clerk for more than 10 years, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Assembly’s operations.
As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, he possesses the legal expertise necessary for the performance of the office’s constitutional, procedural and administrative responsibilities.
“He is a very knowledgeable and experienced officer, and we have confidence in his ability to provide steady leadership and ensure continuity in the Assembly’s administrative and procedural functions,” said Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Lumumba Owade.
“He has practically demonstrated that he is equal to the task during the period he has served as Deputy Clerk, and we are sure he shall carry on from where Owen has left,” he added.
As the curtains fall on an illustrious chapter of Owen’s tenure, he will be remembered for his transformative leadership, having played a crucial role in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Assembly and supporting the effective execution of its legislative, oversight and representative mandate.
Novelist Chinua Achebe wrote in his book Things Fall Apart that when a child has washed his hands, he can eat with the elders.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has cut his teeth and washed his hands and can now eat where the country’s political kings and queens dine.
Babu, a leading candidate in the Nairobi gubernatorial race, has signalled that he has come of age to continue staying in his father’s home, and it was now time to have a home of his own.
Babu, in a radio interview, revealed a move to launch a new national political party ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing what he described as an irreparable fallout in ODM.
Speaking during a local podcast interview aired on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the outspoken legislator said preparations for the new party were already underway and that it will bring together leaders from across Kenya under an inclusive leadership structure.
According to Owino, the party’s Secretary-General will come from the Western region, while the Chairperson will be drawn from either the Coast or Central region to ensure regional balance.
He also disclosed that the Deputy Party Leader has already been identified through the Linda Mwananchi Movement, although he declined to reveal the individual’s identity.
“The party is coming very soon. Babu Owino will be the party leader. I will appoint the Secretary General from the Western region, and our father, James Orengo, will be the party’s patron. It will bring together Kenyans from the Coast, Central, North Eastern, and every community across the country,” he said.
The announcement comes amid growing speculation that the Linda Mwananchi Movement could soon transition into a fully fledged political party.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo recently indicated that the movement intends to unveil a political party before the end of the year, further fuelling debate over the realignment of opposition politics ahead of the next General Election.
Owino attributed his decision to leave ODM to what he termed persistent hostility from sections of the party’s leadership, saying he and his allies had effectively been forced out despite years of loyalty.
Why Babu is leaving
“It’s unfortunate, but I will have to leave ODM because we were pushed out. We are no longer welcome. Every day we are told, ‘Go and look for your own party. If you want to leave, then leave.’ We did not abandon the party. We were chased away,” he claimed.
The MP said his decision was not made lightly, maintaining that he had remained steadfast with ODM through some of its most difficult moments. He said he defended the party in court, made significant political sacrifices on its behalf, and consistently stood by its leadership during challenging periods. However, he argued that his efforts had not been reciprocated, leaving him convinced that his political future now lies outside the party.
Owino revealed that the breakdown in his relationship with ODM began after he expressed interest in contesting for the party’s leadership, saying he later realised that the process would not be conducted in an open and democratic manner.
If formally launched, the new political outfit is expected to add a fresh dimension to Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with Owino positioning it as a national party aimed at attracting support from all regions of the country.
At the time of publication, ODM had not publicly responded to Owino’s latest remarks regarding his planned exit and the proposed formation of a new political party.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has told COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli that he doesn’t have a password to the presidency.
Sifuna said he doesn’t want Atwoli’s password to win the presidency and trusts in God to deliver his ambition.
He wondered why Atwoli has failed to give the password to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in order for them to become president.
“Why didn’t you give the password to your brother-in-law, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, in the 2022 general elections instead of asking us to cut trees in Sugoi, the home turf of President William Ruto?” he said.
Sifuna accused Atwoli of blocking the political path of emerging young politicians and leaders instead of mentoring them for the future.
“Raila mentored Sifuna and Babu Owino among others, but some elders, instead of mentoring the young, are blocking their growth. When did Atwoli get the password to the presidency, and why has he been silent about the password? Very unfortunate,” he said.
The Bukhungu III
After the failed prediction in the 2022 presidential election that UDA presidential candidate William Ruto would lose to the Azimio La Umoja candidate, the late Raila Odinga, Atwoli is back with another declaration.
From an infamous warning slogan “kateni mti” by the toothless Atwoli to Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate Ruto in the 2022 general elections, to eating humble pie, the SG is back again.
This time, Atwoli is breathing fire and has called for Bukhungu III to lock Luhya votes from the opposition for President Ruto in next year’s general election.
I hold the key to the Luhya community
Atwoli claimed that he holds the key to the Luhya community and no leader from the region can emerge without his blessings.
Atwoli also warned that nobody can pretend to lead the Luhya community without him knowing and blessing.
“I want to tell you that someone cannot say he wants to be the leader of the Luhya community without me knowing. I want to be honest with you,” he said.
Atwoli said Bukhungu III will be a turning point in the Luhya community’s political dispensation.
“I want to warn and tell you there is Bukhungu III coming up in December 26th of 2026. If you want to traverse Western Kenya, you are free to do so, but after 26th, we will lock the region. We will lock it up,” he said.
The SG said President Ruto had initiated several development projects in Luhya land and that they could not afford to support the opposition.
“Look at the various development programmes and the billions of shillings pumped into them by the government. Look at our Kakamega Stadium and the roads. Do not join the group propagating the Tawe movement,” he said.
Financial might
Atwoli said a presidential bid required financial might and a candidate cannot base his candidature on financial support from a single quarter.
“The presidency requires money, and if you want to be president in this country, it is me who will help you raise even Sh1 billion in a minute. How can you seek the presidency with money that has been donated to you? It is us who have friends, and it is us who can help you become president. Your personal money cannot make one president,” he said.
He claimed some of the Luhya leaders were being sponsored by outsiders to divide the Luhya community and the vote block.
“Some people have been sponsored by some political quarters, and we know them. You cannot come to divide the Luhya community because you have been sent for that mission,” he said.
But veteran businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Ambwere dismissed claims that financial resources will determine the outcome of Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, insisting that Sifuna should not be judged by the size of his campaign war chest.
Ambwere responded to comments attributed to Atwoli questioning Sifuna’s financial ability to mount a credible presidential campaign.
Ambwere urged Atwoli to steer clear of the debate over campaign financing, arguing that money should never be used as the primary measure of a candidate’s suitability for leadership.
“If campaign money is the problem, I am ready to meet that bill. Senator Sifuna should not be judged on the size of his wallet but on the strength of his leadership and the support of Kenyans,” Ambwere said.
The businessman further maintained that Sifuna’s lack of personal wealth should not be used to discourage his presidential ambitions.
“You keep saying Sifuna has no money to run a presidential campaign. Drop that debate. Money is not everything. It is wananchi who elect their leaders,” he said.
Ambwere said that if campaign financing is Atwoli’s only concern, then it should no longer be an issue because he is prepared to bankroll Sifuna’s presidential bid if necessary.
The Luhya declaration, June 26th
Last Monday in Trans Nzoia, Governor George Natembeya said the homecoming rally for the Nairobi Senator in Bungoma on June 26th will be a turning point in the community’s politics.
Former MP Fred Gumo has declared that it was time the Luhya community rallied behind Sifuna, and those opposed to him will be swept away.
“In 2002, when the late Wamalwa Kijana was the late Mwai Kibaki’s running mate, those who were opposed to him, including Musalia Mudavadi, were defeated in the elections,” he said.
Natembeya said this Sunday in Bungoma County will mark a new political dispensation for the Luhya community.
A homecoming for Sifuna and a day Luhya elders and the community will converge to bless and release him to the world to seek the presidency.
He said the Bungoma homecoming rally will be used to unveil Sifuna’s presidential intent and undergo blessing from the community elders and leadership.
“We will be in Bungoma for a homecoming. All leaders will converge in Bungoma on that day. In Bungoma, the elders will bless our son, Sifuna, to go out in search of the presidency,” he said.
Mwalimu Zachariah Okoth Obado is a man who has gone through a complete circuit – from grass, a humble beginning, to grace, the king and a palace resident, back to grass, a government visitor – the prison.
From a humble beginning in Rapogi village, Obado rewrote his story. He joined Kenyatta University, where he studied education and graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree, and was posted to Rapogi Boys High School.
At the university, Obado also specialised in martial arts and is a black belt holder in Karate.
Obado rose within the ranks to become a secondary school principal before he resigned to contest for the directorship of the Kenya Sugar Board. He won the election and became the Chairman of the Kenya Sugar Board.
The stars were aligning for Obado, and the future looked bright. He first tried his hand at a parliamentary seat but lost. The loss did not deter him as he became the first governor of Migori.
The social media post
But on September 12th, 2018, marked Obado’s anti-climax and downward spiral that threatened to consume his bright future. The stars started dimming, though still glittering.
In his social media platform post, which has survived the memory and the storms, reappeared on July 23rd, 2026, extinguishing the bright flame.
He wrote: “Let me take this opportunity to condole with the family of the late Sharon Otieno. The murder of Sharon was shocking, brutal and a sign of heartlessness in our society. I must strongly condemn this heinous act. Following this death, and that my name has been falsely mentioned by some quarters, therefore, so far, my version on this matter is with the police. I appeal to our political leaders not to politicise this issue. We must show our political maturity and allow the detectives to effectively investigate the matter. Finally, I urge the people of Migori, especially my supporters, to remain calm and united in peace for the prosperity of our county. I know I am innocent, and together we shall succeed in this. Thank you and God bless you all.”
The hammer to the grass
Yesterday, Obado’s post found relevance after a Nairobi High Court judge found him and two others guilty of the murder of Sharon, then a 26-year-old university graduate and mother of three who was 28 weeks pregnant when she was abducted and murdered.
Delivering her judgment at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, High Court Judge Cecilia Githua found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the three.
“The circumstances presented in this case taken cumulatively form a chain so complete that there is no escape from the conclusion that the accused persons acted with others not jointly before the court and committed the offence charged,” Lady Justice Githua ruled.
The judge said evidence on record irresistibly points to the fact that the accused persons, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Sharon at the material time. “It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, the second and the third accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt. I consequently find each accused person guilty of the offence of murder. Each accused is accordingly convicted,” she ruled.
The judge held that although the prosecution’s case was founded on circumstantial evidence, it had established a complete chain linking the three accused to the crime.
“It is clear that the evidence adduced by the prosecution in this case demonstrated and left no doubt that the accused persons acted in concert jointly with others not before the court pursuant to a common design, each performing a distinct role in furtherance of a criminal enterprise that resulted in the death of the late Sharon,” Lady Justice Githua said.
The king in grace
From a classroom teacher to a principal, a director of the Kenya Sugar Board, and a governor, Obado’s life witnessed a steady career rise.
In the 2013 General Election, with the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution which created county governments, Obado defied the strong ODM wave and that of the then presidential candidate, the late Raila Odinga, to be elected the first governor.
Obado, through his party PDP, defeated ODM’s Edward Prof Oyugi Akongo after he garnered 132,687 votes against his main challenger, Oyugi, who received 115,270 votes.
Obado became a powerful governor in the area and defied the political order in the region. He opted to work with then President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. He developed a close alliance with the duo.
In the 2017 general election, he was handed the ODM certificate and secured a second term. But once again, he broke ranks with the regional political status quo.
In 2019, Obado skipped an event by former Prime Minister Raila in the area over a fallout.
“I welcome him (Raila) to Awendo as he will bring development where our children will go to school, but I won’t be there,” Obado said.
In the 2022 presidential election, he supported Ruto’s bid and has remained a close ally of the President.
In 2027, some quarters had expressed a possible Obado candidature for the Migori Senate seat, and several aspirants were seeking his blessing for various elective posts in the country.
The fall
Obado rode in his Lexus vehicle from his upmarket multi-million shillings Karen home to Milimani High Court, hoping to be vindicated. He had stayed calm for the last eight years and was convinced the court would find him innocent.
But on Thursday, things fell apart. The Lexus vehicle returned home empty and cold. His business partner, Macalder MCA F. Okwanyo, broke down in tears in the court.
At home, emptiness spoke in every corner of the house; even the noisy cricket remained silent. An old chapter of grace closed, and a new chapter of grass opened. The circuit was complete. What goes around comes around.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has today secured a significant conviction after the High Court at Milimani found former Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado, Michael Juma Oyamo, and Casper Ojwang Obiero guilty of the murder of the late university student Sharon Otieno.
The judgment, delivered today by the Criminal Division of the High Court at Milimani, brings to a close a high-profile murder trial in which the prosecution presented compelling evidence linking the three accused persons to the brutal killing of Sharon Otieno.
The prosecution team, led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Ms Wangui Gichuhi, successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. After carefully evaluating the evidence presented, the court found that the prosecution had discharged its legal burden of proof and consequently convicted all three accused persons of the offence of murder.
Following the conviction, the prosecution successfully applied for the convicted persons to remain in custody pending sentencing. The prosecution submitted that, having been convicted of a capital offence, the three posed a flight risk and should not be released on bail or bond before sentencing.
The court allowed the application and ordered that Zacharia Okoth Obado, Michael Juma Oyamo, and Casper Ojwang Obiero remain in custody until sentencing, scheduled for 18th August 2026.
The conviction marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old university graduate and mother of three who was 28 weeks pregnant when she was abducted and murdered.
Further, it reaffirms the DPP’s commitment to the professional, impartial, and diligent prosecution of serious criminal offences and to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law.
Kenya’s legal fraternity has intensified its push for reforms within the Judiciary after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) reaffirmed its nationwide boycott of court proceedings, arguing that judicial independence must go hand in hand with accountability.
The protest, which has seen advocates stay away from courtrooms across the country, has sparked a national conversation about the integrity of the justice system, the role of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and the public’s confidence in the courts. Although the Judiciary has maintained that courts remain operational, the absence of advocates has forced the adjournment of some cases, leaving litigants caught in the middle of the standoff.
Speaking outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, LSK President Charles Kanjama urged lawyers to remain united behind the boycott until meaningful reforms are achieved.
Kanjama said the LSK Council, alongside members of the Senior Counsel Bar, will meet the Judicial Service Commission on July 31 to discuss the concerns that triggered the industrial action.
He emphasised that the society’s campaign is not aimed at weakening the Judiciary but at strengthening public confidence in it through accountability and transparency.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has listed Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu among nine judges and judicial officers targeted in a court boycott.
The lawyers’ body said the action will continue indefinitely until courts issue orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The boycott has attracted support from some of the country’s most distinguished legal practitioners, who argue that judicial officers should not be shielded from scrutiny merely because they enjoy constitutional independence.
Former LSK President Faith Odhiambo questioned the apparent reluctance to subject judges to disciplinary processes, saying accountability is a fundamental principle of the rule of law.
“How can we trust our courts if they can stop JSC hearing against corrupt judges and their own accountability? Their independence does not mean that they are above the law,” she said.
Her remarks echoed growing concerns among lawyers who believe unresolved complaints against judicial officers continue to erode public trust in the justice system.
Senior Counsel Philip Murgor also defended the boycott, saying the legal profession had united behind a common cause.
According to Murgor, judges and magistrates entrusted with dispensing justice must also be prepared to account for their conduct whenever legitimate concerns arise.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi accused some judicial officers of perpetuating corruption within the courts and insisted the boycott would continue until decisive action is taken.
“The boycott will continue until the alleged corrupt practices within the courts are addressed,” he said.
Former LSK President Nelson Havi called for complaints previously lodged before the Judicial Service Commission against judicial officers to be reopened and reconsidered. He also faulted Chief Justice Martha Koome for what he described as a failure to engage the concerns raised by members of the Bar, insisting that dialogue alone would not be enough unless it resulted in concrete reforms.
Former LSK President Erick Theuri described the boycott as a campaign undertaken in the public interest, arguing that judicial accountability is essential in protecting constitutional governance and preserving public confidence in the courts.
He appealed to Kenyans to support efforts aimed at reforming the Judiciary, saying the fight is ultimately about strengthening institutions rather than targeting individuals.
The campaign has also received regional backing.
East Africa Law Society President Ramadhan Abubakar said accountability should apply equally to every arm of government, including the Judiciary.
He argued that while courts regularly hold the Executive and Legislature accountable for their actions, the Judiciary should equally be subjected to oversight whenever credible allegations arise.
Abubakar further called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate claims of corruption involving judges and magistrates.
The Judiciary, however, has maintained that justice continues to be administered despite the boycott. Judicial officers have continued hearing matters scheduled before them, although several cases have been postponed because advocates have not appeared in court.
The ongoing standoff comes at a time when Chief Justice Martha Koome is out of the country, leaving the Judicial Service Commission to engage directly with the LSK during the scheduled July 31 meeting.
For many Kenyans seeking justice, the dispute extends beyond institutional disagreements. Every adjourned hearing means delayed justice for families, businesses, and individuals relying on the courts to resolve disputes. Legal analysts warn that while the lawyers’ demands focus on long-term reforms, prolonged disruption could significantly affect access to justice if the impasse persists.
At the heart of the dispute lies a broader constitutional question: Can judicial independence exist without effective accountability? The LSK argues that independence protects judges from external influence but should never shield them from investigation where allegations of misconduct or corruption exist.
As the legal fraternity awaits the July 31 meeting with the Judicial Service Commission, expectations are high that dialogue will produce a lasting solution. However, LSK leaders have warned that should the talks fail to address their concerns, they are prepared to escalate the protests.
The outcome of the standoff could shape not only the future relationship between the Bar and the Bench but also the public’s confidence in Kenya’s justice system for years to come.
Within the next 48 hours, it will be a make or break for the Luhya community and Linda Mwananchi co-principal Edwin Watenya Sifuna.
Similarly, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o’s prophecy will be on trial in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma respectively on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
This weekend, Kenyans of all walks will be watching closely either the birth or a stillbirth of a Sifuna tsunami in Luhya land and, more importantly, whether Nyong’o’s prophecy has finally come to pass.
All roads will be leading to Trans Nzoia and Bungoma, where the country’s political blockbuster is expected to erupt to usher in a new dispensation not only in Luhya land but nationally.
The prophecy
Nyong’o headhunted Sifuna to be the ODM Secretary General and predicted that he was built for the future.
“I think none of you knows how Edwin Sifuna came into ODM. The guy is built for the future. If you don’t know what I am saying, go home and think,” he predicted then.
Trans Nzoia
On Saturday, Sifuna will have a pre-homecoming rally in Trans Nzoia County, the home of Luhya leadership. In Trans Nzoia is the home of the Luhya leaders, the late Masinde Muliro, former Vice President the late Michael Wamalwa Kijana, and the late MP George Kapten.
Currently, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya of the Tawe Movement will host the Linda Mwananchi brigade in the area ahead of the Sunday homecoming.
Saturday’s rally in Trans Nzoia is of great significance to Sifuna as he will appease and seek the blessing of the community leaders in his pursuit of the country’s presidency.
Natembeya recently resigned as DAP-K party leader to join Linda Mwananchi to promote and support Sifuna’s march to the presidency.
“We will be in Bungoma for a homecoming. All leaders will converge in Bungoma on that day. In Bungoma, the elders will bless our son, Sifuna, to go out in search of the presidency,” he said.
Rehearsal
Bungoma has been electric with the residents engaging in a rehearsal ahead of Sunday’s Sifuna homecoming rally.
Songs, dance, and peaceful demonstrations have been witnessed in the town ahead of D-day, while in other parts of Western Kenya, the conversation has been about the birth of a Luhya leader.
The itinerary
The Linda Mwananchi team has unveiled its itinerary for Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, which will culminate in a grand rally at Bungoma Posta Grounds on July 26, 2026, during Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s homecoming.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati said the Linda Mwananchi caravan will be in Kitale on Saturday and proceed to Kiminini Market in Trans Nzoia County.
“We will begin with a rally in Kitale on July 25, then a Sunday service at Kiminini Catholic Church on July 26. We will then proceed to Kamukuywa market for a roadside rally, then to Kimili, Chwele, and our final rally will be at Bungoma Posta grounds,” Wangamati said.
Bungoma: The making of a tsunami and trial of Nyong’o
The Posta Ground will be historic; it will mark the birth of a Luhya leader and, for the first time, try to resolve the elusive Luhya unity.
Equally, Nyong’o’s day of the moment will come to pass as Sifuna’s future will finally have come to pass.
Already, several top Luhya leaders and elders have been defecting and aligning with Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale and DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala have openly endorsed Sifuna’s presidential bid.
“It is our time as the Luhya nation. I call upon my brothers Musalia Mudavadi, Francis Atwoli, Moses Wetang’ula, and all Luhya leaders to unite and support Edwin Sifuna in his journey to the Presidency of Kenya,” Khalwale said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has declared that Luhya leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement will support Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna ahead of the 2027 general election, signalling a major political shift within the opposition.
Bukusu Council of Elders Kimilili Chapter Chairman Professor Bonventure Wanjala Kere has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s reported 2027 presidential ambitions, arguing that the Luhya community should focus on the country’s top seat instead of pursuing the deputy presidency.
“Our son Sifuna has offered himself for the presidency. This is the feel on the ground. I will be on the forefront to support him,” Malala said.
Casualties
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been the first casualty of Sifuna after they sacked him as Secretary General.
Recent opinion polls rank Linda Mwananchi at 78 percent in popularity while Dr Oburu Oginga-led Linda Ground is at 22 percent.
Recently, 36 ODM coordinators defected from ODM to Linda Mwananchi, and most of the sub-branches have also changed allegiance to the Sifuna-led outfit.
Currently, ODM is domiciled in Luo Nyanza for women’s economic empowerment while Linda Mwananchi is holding countrywide series of rallies and receiving new members and aspirants.
For years, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula have been regarded as the region’s principal political power brokers. Their influence grew further after Ruto’s victory in the 2022 election, with Mudavadi securing the position of Prime Cabinet Secretary while Wetang’ula became Speaker of the National Assembly.
Prime Cabinet Secretary
An hour of test is fast arriving for Mudavadi over Sifuna’s presidential bid. Mudavadi has declared his bid for 2032 and in 2027 is supporting President William Ruto’s second term.
“Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi does not have what it takes to vie for the presidency. I was the first person in the Mulembe nation to contest for the presidency, so I know the stakes. They do not have the muscles to run for something close to the presidency,” he said.
Khalwale recently offered to broker a truce with Mudavadi and Wetang’ula over Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Already Mudavadi has been criticised for his opposition to Sifuna’s presidential ambition.
Wetang’ula
Wetang’ula is facing a political storm in his Bungoma backyard, and his Ford-K party faces a test of a decade over its hold on the county’s leadership and politics.
With the emerging Sifuna tsunami, both Wetang’ula and Mudavadi may find themselves shoved off the political terrain.
A Senior Principal Magistrate attached to Kangema Law Courts and a Principal Probation Officer were on Tuesday arrested by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of soliciting a bribe.
The officers arrested the duo following allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe from a litigant in exchange for influencing the outcome of a criminal case.
The suspects, Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate at Kangema Law Courts, and Julius Irungu Njogu, Principal Probation Officer, were arrested on 21st July 2026 at a restaurant within Kangema Township following an operation mounted by the Commission.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a businessman from Murang’a County, who reported that he had been convicted on July 2, 2026, in a criminal case for obtaining money by false pretences and was scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026.
Preliminary investigations established that the probation officer approached the complainant, claiming to act on behalf of the magistrate, and demanded Kes170,000, assuring him that the money would secure a non-custodial sentence through a favourable probation recommendation rather than a custodial sentence.
EACC mounted an operation that culminated in the arrest of the two suspects while they were receiving Kes150,000 from the complainant.
They are currently in custody at Nyeri Central Police Station and will be processed this morning at the EACC Central Regional Office.
EACC reiterates its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and enhancing the quality of public services for all citizens.
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