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ODM to Gen Z: Leave the streets, register to vote and remove leaders through the ballot

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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called on Gen Z and all Kenyans to shift from street protests to the ballot box, saying meaningful political change can only be achieved through peaceful and constitutional means ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 26, ODM commended Kenyans for exercising restraint during the June 25 commemorations, describing the largely peaceful events as a demonstration of political maturity and respect for the Constitution.

“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party wishes to extend its profound gratitude to the people of Kenya, especially its members and supporters across the country, for showing maturity and exercising remarkable restraint during yesterday’s June 25 commemorations. By choosing peace over destruction, and respect for the Constitution and laws of this nation, you have demonstrated that our movement is driven by higher ideals, not chaos,” the statement read in part.

Voter registration

The party argued that while peaceful demonstrations remain a constitutional right, lasting political change is ultimately achieved through elections.

“Ultimately, the power lies in the hands of the voter,” ODM said.

“We encourage all Kenyans to follow Kisumu’s example: register to vote and ensure your voice is heard peacefully at the ballot box in 2027.”

The remarks signal a renewed emphasis by the opposition party on voter mobilization as political attention gradually shifts toward the next General Election.

Kisumu praised for voter registration drive

ODM singled out Kisumu County for praise, saying residents had chosen civic participation over confrontation during the June 25 commemorations.

According to the party, large numbers of residents turned out to register to vote rather than engage in destructive protests.

ODM described the development as evidence that democratic change should be pursued through elections rather than violence.

“Instead of destructive protests, the people of Kisumu made a powerful statement by turning out in large numbers to register to vote in the 2027 General Elections,” the statement said.

The party added that the move demonstrated that “lasting change is achieved through the ballot, not the bullet”.

Call for restraint by security agencies

Even as it welcomed the relative calm during the commemorations, ODM said there were isolated incidents in which law enforcement officers could have exercised greater restraint.

The party appealed to security agencies to avoid excessive force during future demonstrations and to respect constitutional freedoms.

ODM reiterated that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.

The party, however, also reminded demonstrators that these freedoms should be exercised responsibly and within the law.

Remembering victims of human rights violations

ODM used the statement to reflect on what it described as a long history of human rights violations suffered by its supporters.

The party cited the 2005 constitutional referendum, the 2007/08 post-election violence, the 2013 and 2017 elections, as well as demonstrations held in 2023, 2024 and 2025, saying many of its supporters had lost their lives or suffered injuries while demanding democratic reforms.

“Our people have been shot, beaten, abducted, maimed, sexually violated and killed while seeking respect for human rights, fidelity to the rule of law and democratic governance,” the party stated.

ODM said it honours all those who lost their lives in the struggle for democratic freedoms.

Victims Urged to Seek Compensation

The party also called on families and survivors of human rights violations to submit claims to the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations.

ODM described the reparations programme as an important step towards national healing and restorative justice.

It encouraged victims to present their testimonies and supporting evidence so their cases could be considered for compensation-PeopleDaily.Digital.

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National Assembly dismisses claims Sacco Bill is being rushed through Parliament

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The National Assembly has dismissed reports that the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is being rushed through Parliament, saying the proposed law is still undergoing public participation.

Through infographics shared on Facebook on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Parliament said misleading information had been circulating online about the Bill, formally known as the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 32 of 2025.

Bill was published in June 2025

The National Assembly said the Bill was published on June 30, 2025, and had remained under consideration for more than 12 months.

It rejected suggestions that lawmakers were fast-tracking the proposed amendments without allowing enough time for scrutiny.

According to Parliament, the lengthy period between the publication of the Bill and its current consideration shows that it is not being rushed.

Bill currently before the National Assembly committee

The Sacco Societies Amendment Bill is currently before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

The committee is conducting public participation and receiving views from members of the public and other stakeholders.

The submissions are expected to help the committee assess the proposed amendments before presenting its recommendations to the National Assembly.

What happens after public participation?

After the public participation process is concluded, the committee will prepare a report containing its findings and recommendations.

Parliament said the views submitted by members of the public and stakeholders could inform further amendments to the Bill.

The proposed legislation will then proceed to the National Assembly for consideration by MPs.

This means the Bill has not yet completed the legislative process and could still be amended based on the submissions received during public participation.

Bill will be forwarded to Senate

The National Assembly also clarified that the Bill will not proceed directly for presidential assent after being passed by MPs.

Because the proposed legislation concerns county governments, it will be forwarded to the Senate for consideration in accordance with the Constitution.

The Senate will be required to consider the Bill before it can complete the parliamentary process and be presented for presidential assent.

Parliament urged members of the public to rely on verified information about the Sacco Societies Amendment Bill instead of unconfirmed reports circulating online-PeopleDaily.Digital.

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Digital house-hunting platform bets on technology to reshape Nairobi’s rental market

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 14 – A growing shift towards digital property searches is changing how Kenyans find rental homes, with real estate technology platform Reemio positioning itself as a solution to longstanding challenges.

This included fraudulent listings, costly house searches and limited market transparency.

As younger, tech-savvy consumers turn to online platforms to make purchasing decisions, the company says digitizing the rental process could improve efficiency for both tenants and landlords while lowering transaction costs.

“Our niche is to solve the problem of house hunting and also bring trust into that process. We use technology to connect renters and landlords,” said Kimani.

Kimani said the platform seeks to address inefficiencies that have traditionally made house hunting expensive and time-consuming.

Instead of physically visiting multiple properties, users can browse verified listings, take virtual tours, compare amenities and access information on additional costs such as water charges, electricity bills and service fees before scheduling physical viewings.

Beyond improving convenience for tenants, Reemio argues that technology can help landlords reduce marketing costs, shorten vacancy periods and reach a wider pool of prospective tenants, including Kenyans living abroad.

The company says its platform also generates market data that can help property owners and developers better understand evolving consumer preferences, although its long-term impact will depend on wider adoption of digital property platforms and continued investment in trustworthy online real estate marketplaces-Capitalfm.co.ke.

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ORPP edges two parties closer to joining Kenya’s political arena

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The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has issued a notice for the provisional registration of two proposed political parties, opening a seven-day window for members of the public to lodge objections.

In a notice published by the Registrar of Political Parties and Chief Executive Officer J.C. Lorionokou, the ORPP announced that the Social Democratic Party of Kenya (SDP) and the People’s Alternative Voice (PAV) are in the process of being provisionally registered under Section 5(2)(a) of the Political Parties Act.

The ORPP, a State office established under Section 33 of the Political Parties Act and Article 260 of the Constitution, said its mandate includes registering and regulating political parties as well as administering the Political Parties Fund.

According to the notice, the Social Democratic Party of Kenya (SDP) has adopted pink, white and sky blue as its official party colours, with the slogan “Change – Mageuzi.” The party’s symbol is the acronym SDP enclosed inside a circle.

The party’s listed founder members are Nyangong’ Duncan Nyumbah, Omwandasi Jared Dishon and Kinyua Mary Wacuka.

The founders of PAV are listed as Odenyo John Fitzgerald Elly, Nyando Rachel Mmboga and Ali Hussein Kiplangat.

The Registrar said particulars of the two proposed political parties have been published on the ORPP website to facilitate public scrutiny as required by law.

Any person wishing to oppose the provisional registration of either party has seven days from the date of publication of the notice to submit objections either in writing or in person to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties at Lion Place, Fourth Floor, Waiyaki Way at Karuna Close, Nairobi.

The provisional registration marks the first step in the legal process of establishing a political party in Kenya.

Kenya has 91 fully registered political parties. The ORPP’s updated register indicates that, as of January 2026, there were 91 parties that had met the legal requirements for full registration under the Political Parties Act-STAR.

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