Mandera South Member of Parliament Hon. Abdul Haro Kore has issued a strong public directive warning against the illegal collection of money from residents during the ongoing nationwide National Identity Card registration exercise, insisting that the process is fully funded by the government and must remain free of charge.

The legislator expressed concern over reports that vulnerable and low-income residents in Mandera South Constituency are being denied access to registration after being asked to pay unauthorized fees by rogue public officers at the grassroots level. He described the practice as unlawful and a violation of government policy, urging wananchi not to part with any money in exchange for registration services.

Hon. Kore emphasized that both the registration process and the verification of supporting documents, including birth certificates, are completely free. He further reminded residents that the previously used vetting committees have been abolished, meaning no applicant should be subjected to discriminatory vetting or asked to pay to have their status cleared.

The MP warned that no citizen should be charged under the guise of “fuel money,” “lunch allowances,” or “printing fees,” stressing that such demands amount to corruption and economic sabotage. He cautioned that any Chief, Assistant Chief, registration clerk, or other public officer found soliciting or receiving bribes would face the full force of the law.

Hon. Kore also reaffirmed that no Kenyan should be turned away, delayed, or denied their constitutional right to obtain a National Identity Card because of an inability or refusal to pay illegal charges. He urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any public official demanding money to the nearest Deputy County Commissioner’s office, Assistant County Commissioner’s office, or directly to his constituency office so that swift action can be taken.

The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of Mandera South residents and ensuring that every eligible Kenyan can access identification documents without intimidation, discrimination, or exploitation.

Political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to gather momentum following a meeting at the Wamunyoro residence that brought together Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and a delegation of Members of County Assembly from Laikipia and Nakuru counties.

The meeting came after Gachagua announced that a growing number of elected leaders were leaving parties allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, including UDA and TSP, to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which he described as an emerging political force.

The delegation comprised MCAs from several wards across Laikipia and Nakuru, signalling the continued political reorganisation taking shape in the Mt Kenya region and neighbouring counties.

Speaking after the meeting, Ol-Moran MCA Hon. George Karuiru Wairimu described the move as “the way to go,” expressing confidence that the new political direction would provide a stronger platform for leaders seeking to advance the interests of their constituents.

According to Karuiru, the political landscape is evolving rapidly, and leaders must align themselves with movements they believe can effectively champion development, unity and responsive leadership.

The Wamunyoro meeting is the latest in a series of engagements that have seen elected leaders consult with Gachagua as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. Supporters of DCP argue that the party is steadily attracting leaders from across the country as it seeks to expand its grassroots presence.

The developments are expected to further shape the political conversation in the coming months as parties continue to position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.

By John Kariuki

NAIROBI, April 22, 2026

Following the conclusion of final rites for the late Hon. David Kiaraho, the Jubilee Party has swiftly moved into campaign mode, issuing a formal appeal to its coalition partners ahead of the forthcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election.

In a strongly worded statement, Secretary General Hon. Moitalel Ole Kenta emphasized the need for what he termed a “credible, united, and formidable alternative government,” calling on partners within the United Alternative Government to rally behind a single opposition candidate under the Jubilee Party banner. The party argues that unity will be key in securing a decisive win in the closely watched contest.

The by-election has been necessitated by the passing of Hon. David Kiaraho, a long serving Jubilee legislator who has been eulogized by the party as a leader defined by humility, service, and an unwavering connection to his constituents. Jubilee maintains that since the seat was previously under its stewardship, it is both politically and morally consistent for the coalition to consolidate support behind its preferred candidate.

The party has further pledged to conduct internal nominations that are free, fair and transparent, promising a process that reflects the will of party members and the broader electorate.

According to the statement, this approach is intended to strengthen internal democracy while ensuring that the eventual flagbearer commands legitimacy and broad based support.
Jubilee also framed its current position as part of a broader philosophy of political cooperation, citing past instances where it made strategic concessions in favour of opposition unity. It pointed to the Mbeere North constituency, where it supported a consolidated front during constituency and ward elections, as well as the Emurua Dikirr constituency in Narok County, where similar consensus building efforts reportedly yielded electoral success.

“This approach is intentional, principled, and aligned with the expectations of Kenyans who are calling on us to act as one,” the SG Ole Kenta noted,
underscoring the party’s renewed push for opposition cohesion in competitive electoral spaces.

Despite the immediate focus on Ol Kalou, the party was quick to signal its broader political ambitions. Hon. Moitalel Ole Kenta clarified that Jubilee’s call for unity should not be interpreted as political retreat, but rather as a strategic alignment within the opposition landscape ahead of future contests.
Looking beyond the by-election, the party confirmed that it will field candidates in all elective positions from Member of County Assembly MCA seats to the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

The declaration signals what Jubilee describes as a structured and determined resurgence across all 47 counties, positioning the party for a comprehensive national political comeback.

The Super Senator Veronica Maina has expressed optimism that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) remains a strong and formidable force in Kenya’s political landscape.

Senator Maina cited the party’s recent landslide victories in the by-elections as clear evidence of continued public confidence in UDA’s vision and leadership.

In the recently concluded by-elections, UDA secured four key wins:

• Mohamed Tubi – Isiolo South MP seat with 7,352 votes
• Duncan Muratia – Evurore ward with 7,853 votes
• Peterson Njeru – Muminji ward with 3,207 votes
• Elphas Shalakha – West Kabras ward with 3,317 votes

Senator Maina congratulated the winning candidates and lauded the party supporters for their dedication and commitment during the campaign. She emphasized that the victories reflect the electorate’s trust in UDA’s development-focused agenda and urged leaders to remain accountable and responsive to the needs of their constituents.

She further called on all party members to remain united and continue championing policies that empower citizens, promote economic growth, and strengthen national cohesion.