A politician eyeing higher office recently got an expensive reminder that ambition comes with unexpected costs. He was attending a professional meeting when formal discussions gave way to drinks and banter. But the mood changed when the bill arrived. To his surprise, colleagues handed him the entire tab, arguing that as the “big man” seeking a higher seat, he should demonstrate generosity. The politician, however, had other plans. He stared at the bill, reached for his phone and pretended to take an important call. He excused himself, promising to return. He never did.
Goons extort Cabinet Secretary
The goons problem appears to have found its way into the corridors of power, with a Cabinet secretary recently finding himself at the mercy of a group of men at a political party office in Nairobi. A courtesy call reportedly turned into an ordeal after the CS was held hostage and forced to part with hundreds of thousands of shillings to secure his release. Even after the money changed hands, the ordeal was far from over. The men, some posing as security guards, demanded more, leaving the official trapped for hours. The incident has rattled top officials.
Official asking to be sacked
A vocal and controversial county government official is said to be working hard to get himself sacked as he weighs his 2027 political ambitions. The man’s close advisors say he believes his political entry will gain more momentum if he is sacked rather than simply resigning. As part of the plan to attract the attention of his boss and influential individuals, he has been publicly criticising the government on social media and plans to be even more outspoken to fulfil his mission before he makes up his mind on running for office.
Senator fears family scrutiny
A senator from Western Kenya is reportedly uneasy over a whispering campaign targeting his family roots, with political rivals said to be preparing questions about whether he is a native of the community he represents. The claims, whether true or false, could prove politically damaging as he eyes a higher seat in next year’s elections. Insiders say he fears the campaign could exploit questions about his ancestry to sow doubt among voters and weaken local support. With identity carrying political weight in the region, the issue could become a potent campaign weapon.
Trouble is quietly brewing inside one of the country’s political outfits, with simmering tensions over the distribution of campaign money. Some members accuse a senior leader of using a classic divide-and-rule strategy to maintain influence over rival factions. Disgruntled politicians claim some leaders and regions are receiving preferential treatment while others are left to fend for themselves, despite being expected to deliver political support. The complaints have grown louder as the 2027 General Election approaches, raising fears that the funding strategy could create competing camps and deepen existing rivalries within the outfit.
A woman closely linked to a senior politician and serving in government has left top officials puzzled after skipping a high-profile State event that could have showcased her and advanced her family’s interests. Her absence was striking because the event brought together senior government officials, political leaders and influential figures. Those familiar with the arrangements had expected her to play a prominent role given her position and the event’s political significance. Her decision has since fuelled speculation in government circles over whether it was deliberate, personal or reflected growing unease within the family.
