James Mbaka

Kenya, Nairobi

Senior Political Writer at The Star (Kenya)

Featured in:

the-star.co.ke Favicon

allafrica.com Favicon

standardmedia.co.ke Favicon

mpasho.co.ke Favicon

kiss100.co.ke Favicon

classic105.com Favicon

radiojambo.co.ke Favicon

globaldiasporanews.com Favicon

countydevelopment.co.ke Favicon

diasporamessenger.com + 1 more

Articles

DP’s Diary: Kindiki has kept low profile after Mt Kenya tour

1 week ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. /FILEDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has this week kept a low profile after a five-day gruelling whistle-stop to reclaim the restive Mt Kenya vote. Aides said Kindiki opted to have a quiet Sunday and only held private prayers with select few members of his family. The intense campaign saw him join his boss William Ruto in traversing Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Embu and Kirinyaga counties, making sweeping promises.
EALA MP Falhada Iman banned from Parliament for 90 days after scuffle

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

In SummaryThe confrontation shocked the country after videos surfaced showing the two lawmakers in a physical altercation within Parliament’s premises.
Nyamira county on brink of suspension as Assembly crisis deepens

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

In SummaryOn April 8, senators were shocked to learn Nyamira has two assemblies, each with its speaker, sittings, and allowances. The Senate Devolution Committee had met both factions in the Senate but failed to resolve the dispute. Nyamira county faces possible suspension as two rival factions fight to control the County Assembly. On April 9, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka raised concerns about the crisis and called for a peaceful resolution.
Big test as ODM and UDA hold crucial branch elections

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

In SummaryBig guns in both parties, including sitting MPs and their 2027 rivals, are expected to face off in the polls to secure slots at the National Delegates Conventions. Winners in branch positions are considered the grassroots pillars and could use their positions to lobby for party tickets in the 2027 polls. Leading political parties, ODM and UDA, face a litmus test as they hold significant grassroot elections to strengthen their bases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
EXPLAINER: What state-sponsored violence is and where Kenya stands

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

Recent incidents where goons have attacked meetings attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have stirred debate about state-sponsored violence. While questions abound as to whether the attacks were executed by government-backed goons or not, here is an explainer on what constitutes state-sponsored violence:What exactly is state-sponsored violence, does it exist in Kenya, and how have other nations been impacted by it? What is State-sponsored violence?
Why thousands of 2024 KSCE have been locked out of education courses

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

In SummaryStudents pursuing a degree or diploma in education must score a minimum mean grade of C+ and C plain in English. Would you like us to tell your story related to this topic? If yes, please send details to [email protected]Candidates await distribution of KCSE exam papers/FILEFailure by thousands of 2024 KCSE candidates to score at least a D+ in mathematics will force the majority of them to miss out on Education degree courses in universities.
Nairobi Hospital board downplays leadership woes, assures quality care

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

In SummaryActing Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano echoed the sentiment, saying the hospital remained resilient and committed to excellence. Among the most prominent concerns has been an ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which began following a raid at the facility. The Board of The Nairobi Hospital (TNH) has reaffirmed its commitment to uninterrupted healthcare service delivery and institutional integrity.
ODM warns against violence ahead of Wednesday's branch elections

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga/FILEThe Orange Democratic Movement has reported that its ongoing grassroots elections are progressing smoothly, warning against acts of violence. The party issued a stern warning against any planned acts of violence during April 9’s branch elections, stating that such actions could result in severe consequences, including expulsion from the party.
New taxes likely in 2025, says Finance chair Kimani Kuria

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Kimani Kuria has hinted that the government could introduce a fresh wave of taxes in the Finance Bill, 2025. His remarks appear to contradict recent assurances by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who stated that the government does not intend to impose any new taxes on Kenyans.
MP Kimani: Parliament could consider social media views in budget-making process

2 weeks ago | the-star.co.ke | James Mbaka

In SummaryNational Assembly Committee on Finance and National Planning chairperson Kimani Kuria said the House will be shifting away from traditional methods of public participation. The MP noted that while formal submissions through memoranda and emails remain important, they do not capture the full spectrum of public sentiment. Parliament could soon start considering social media views as part of public participation in the budget-making process.