On Thursday, November 13, regional newspapers focused on emerging political shifts as the ODM party got ready to celebrate its 20th year in ...
On Thursday, November 13, regional newspapers focused on emerging political shifts as the ODM party got ready to celebrate its 20th year in Mombasa, with reports suggesting the event would indicate fresh partnerships.
1. Daily Nation
As reported by the daily, a minimum of 70% of Kenya's representatives are expected to need to be professional diplomats if a new bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly is passed.
The other 30% will consist of political appointees, but they are required to have experience in diplomacy and international affairs.
The 2025 Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna Ngusya, aims to revise the Foreign Service Act in order to improve standards in diplomatic roles.
If approved, it will put an end to the long-established tradition of appointing political allies or defeated candidates as ambassadors, high commissioners, or permanent representatives.
The suggested legislation corresponds to Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 regarding Kenya's Foreign Policy, which suggests that 70% of diplomatic positions should be filled by professional diplomats. The Bill is currently undergoing preliminary review.
On Tuesday, November 10, the committee responsible for Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations within the National Assembly, led by Nelson Koech, convened to review the Bill.
The committee will gather information from the Office of the Attorney General and the Kenya Law Reform Commission prior to moving forward with the bill.
2. The Standard
The study highlights that the recent mistreatment of Kenyans in Uganda and Tanzania has led to strong criticism against Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, with experts labeling him as one of the least effective foreign policy figures in Kenya's history.
Since the start of President William Ruto's government, it has been reported that Kenyans have faced mistreatment and bullying in neighboring nations, with minimal outcry or diplomatic response from Nairobi.
Historian Macharia Munene stated that Mudavadi's lack of action highlighted Kenya's inability to safeguard its citizens overseas, a duty that every UN member nation is supposed to fulfill.
Political commentators, such as Professor Gitile Naituli, stated that Mudavadi's efforts have been lackluster when measured against former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, who established robust global connections throughout President Uhuru Kenyatta's time in office.
Analyst Martin Andati gave Mudavadi a score of five out of ten, just marginally better than his predecessor Alfred Mutua.
Critics claimed Mudavadi was slow to react to the arrest of Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo in Uganda, who were released after 39 days, reportedly due to the involvement of former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
They claimed Mudavadi's inclination towards discreet diplomacy did not produce outcomes.
Issues have also emerged regarding the passing of Kenyan educator John Okoth Ogutu in Tanzania and the insufficient assistance provided by the government to his family.
Professor Munene cautioned that Kenya could be seen as a "client state" incapable of protecting its people, while Naituli blamed Ruto's government for being complicit through silence.
3. The Star
As per the report, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is encountering increasing difficulties in his effort to bring together the Mt Kenya region under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), while former president Uhuru Kenyatta re-enters active politics via a renewed Jubilee Party.
Following almost two years of political quiet, Uhuru has made a return, spearheading Jubilee's grassroots resurgence and a countrywide membership campaign in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
His increased engagement is drawing in new supporters and reigniting backing in Mt Kenya, challenging Gachagua's authority and his strategy to unite the area under DCP.
Political analysts suggest that Uhuru's return might alter the political scene in Mt Kenya and reduce Gachagua's influence among the opposition, particularly as Jubilee and other parties against Ruto consider forming alliances.
Sources indicate that Gachagua has temporarily put aside his 2027 presidential aspirations, choosing instead to seek a significant political alliance with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Gachagua has called on people living in the Mt Kenya region to support a single political entity in order to prevent division, cautioning that split allegiances might lead to similar past political errors.
Nevertheless, supporters of Uhuru claim that Jubilee's restructuring is a country-wide initiative, not a struggle for regional dominance.
Deputy leader of Jubilee, Joseph Manje, stated that the former president is concentrating on revitalizing the party outside of Central Kenya, noting that it continues to be the biggest political organization with more than seven million members.
Experts, such as Professor Peter Kagwanja, observed that Gachagua's attempt to assert control is constrained in an area that emphasizes political diversity.
They cautioned that Uhuru's political background, connections, and financial resources might make Gachagua's tasks more challenging.
"Jubilee has a proven history and nationwide influence that DCP does not have. Uhuru is advocating for national politics, rather than tribal division. The concept of a single regional party leads to authoritarian rule in an area that has historically been governed by councils of elders. Mt Kenya is democratic. This call for a single party also reveals self-interest. Why isn't Gachagua saying, 'Let's all join Jubilee, DP or PLP?' " said former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu.
4. Taifa Leo
As reported by the Swahili newspaper, arrangements are being made in Mombasa county, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will celebrate its 20th anniversary this week.
The gathering will unite leading party figures and original members who were essential in defining its past.
A key founding figure anticipated to be present is Jane Wangui Muringi, who became ODM's initial Secretary-General following the organization's formal registration after the 2005 referendum.
Even though not well recognized by ODM's present leaders, Muringi's participation goes back to the party's early stages during the tenure of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Muringi remembered the night when Raila visited her house in Dandora personally. She mentioned that political strategist Tony Gachoka had called her that evening, urging her to go outside even though it was late.
As soon as she arrived, she discovered a high-end vehicle parked there and was taken aback to see Raila sitting inside.
She mentioned feeling anxious as they traveled through areas of Nairobi, such as Kibra, while Raila explained the reason he had approached her.
As per her statement, Raila informed her that he required her support since she already had a registered political party, which she shared with attorney Mugambi Imanyara.
Imanyara later verified that Muringi had actually served as ODM's initial Secretary-General prior to being succeeded by Tony Chege.
Muringi mentioned that Raila requested her to specify her cost for moving the party to his group, but she refused any financial or political compensation. Instead, she informed him that her desire was to collaborate with him for the sake of change.
The next day, they convened once more and finalised the transfer, setting the stage for ODM to become a significant political entity.
Muringi later became a member of the party's National Executive Council, serving as Secretary for Special Programmes.
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