The political landscape of Kenya in 2025 was defined by volatility and structural transformation.

Driven by the momentum of Gen Z activism, the year saw a complete reconfiguration of the executive and the emergence of new, unlikely coalitions.

Impeachment

1. Isiolo Governor — Abdi Guyo

In a decisive move, the Isiolo County Assembly impeached Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo following allegations of constitutional violations, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.

The motion passed with a significant majority,16 out of 18 present members voting in favor, while the Governor notably declined to appear before the Assembly to defend himself despite a formal invitation. Consequently, the proceedings continued in his absence according to legislative Standing Orders, resulting in his removal from office.

Though the Isiolo County Assembly had moved to impeach him, the Senate dismissed the impeachment proceedings on procedural grounds in July 2025.

2. Kericho Governor — Erick Mutai

Also Read: Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo Denies All Charges as Impeachment Hearings Begin

The Kericho County Assembly unanimously impeached Governor Mutai on Friday, August 15, with all 33 members voting in favor of the resolution.

Speaker Patrick Mutai formally notified Senate Speaker Amason Kingi of the decision, which was based on serious allegations including the misappropriation of public and donor funds as well as abuse of office.

Governor Mutai was saved by the senate after various attempts to remove him from office.

3. Amos Nyaribo — Nyamira Governor

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo was impeached after 23 out of 31 MCAs voted in favor of a motion led by Julius Kimwomi Matwere.

This successful ouster followed a series of failed attempts since 2023 and is rooted in allegations of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and the illegal commissioning of a payroll audit that reportedly bypassed the Auditor-General’s mandate.

Having comfortably surpassed the required voting threshold, the Assembly has now forwarded the matter to the Senate for a final ruling.

Cabinet Reshuffle.

Also Read: Cabinet Approves Infrastructure, Sovereign Wealth Funds — What It Means for Kenyans

In March, President William Ruto executed a significant reorganization of his executive team through a series of Cabinet changes and new appointments after the Gen Z protest.

The reshuffle saw the dismissal of Justin Muturi from the Public Service docket, with the President nominating Geoffrey Ruku as his successor.

In a tactical exchange of roles, Aden Duale was reassigned from the Environment Ministry to lead the Ministry of Health, while Deborah Barasa took over the Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry portfolio previously held by Duale.

To further streamline government operations, the President also appointed 14 new Principal Secretaries to various state departments, signaling a broader effort to refresh the leadership across several key ministries.

Formation of Kenya Moja Alliance

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Kitutu Chache MP Anthony Kibagendi, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo are among the key figures in the movement.

The Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who are defying party orders have set their sights on the 14 million-strong youth vote ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gideon Moi Joining “Broad-based” Government

Also Read: Gideon Moi Drops Out of Baringo Senatorial By-Election Race

In October 2025, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi signaled a major shift in the political landscape of the Rift Valley by agreeing to work with President William Ruto following a high-profile meeting at State House.

This strategic alliance, finalized during a private session at Moi’s Kabarak residence, triggered significant internal friction within the independence party.

Specifically, the KANU Youth Congress vocally denounced the partnership, arguing that the decision was reached unilaterally by senior leadership without grassroots consultation.

Gachagua’s Role in the United Opposition

The United Opposition is a coalition comprising Kalonzo Musyoka (leader of Wiper Party), Martha Karua (leader of People’s Liberation Party (PLP)), Eugene Wamalwa (leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K)), Justin Muturi (leader of the Democratic Party (DP)), Fred Matiang’i, and Rigathi Gachagua, who heads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Following his 2024 ouster, the former Deputy President fully transitioned into a leading figure of the United Opposition.

Death of Raila Odinga (October 15, 2025)

Also Read: ODM Breaks Silence on Ruto’s Move to Rename Talanta Stadium in Honor of Raila

On October 15, 2025, Kenya’s political landscape was profoundly altered by the death of Raila Amolo Odinga at the age of 80.

The long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister passed away following a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kochi, India.

His office confirmed the news through Reuters, noting that he had collapsed during a morning walk. In response to the tragedy, President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, praising Odinga as a “tower of principle” and a “father of democracy.”

The statesman was later honored with a state funeral and buried at his rural home in Bondo on October 19, 2025.

Reconstitution of the IEBC

After nearly two years of vacancy, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was finally reconstituted in mid-2025.

Erastus Edung Ethekon was appointed as Chairperson

The new commission further introduced Iris recognition technology alongside fingerprints to enhance voter identification and transparency.

The November By-Elections

Twenty-four by-elections were gazetted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), including six for National Assembly seats, one for a Senate seat, and seventeen for County Assembly seats.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) won each of the four seats for which they fielded candidates in the National Assembly and Senate.

In the three seats where they nominated candidates for MP slots, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), their counterpart in the broad-based governing arrangement, also prevailed.

UDA won seven seats, Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) won three, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) won two, Wiper Patriotic Front won one, ODM won one, FORD–Kenya won one, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won one, and an independent candidate won one seat in the 17 ward by-elections.

Nairobi Politics: The Battle for the Capital

Also Read: Sakaja Removes Geoffrey Mosiria from Popular Environment Docket

The city turned into a battlefield for resource control as Gachagua’s “United Opposition” allies and the “Kenya Moja” movement put pressure on Governor Johnson Sakaja.

As different groups attempted to take control of the city’s enormous budget, the emphasis shifted to “Boroughs” and giving the wards more authority, but the underlying story was one of political survival.

Governor Johnson Sakaja faced threats of impeachment from the Members of the Nairobi County Assembly.

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President William Ruto chairing a Cabinet meeting on December 15, 2025 in State House, Nairobi.