Here is what to expect to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Reactions to Omtatah’s presidential bid

Moments after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah announced the establishment of a Presidential Exploratory Committee to evaluate the viability of him challenging President William Ruto at the 2027 polls, reactions started streaming in from various political leaders.

The reactions are today expected to continue, as Kenyans weigh in on Omtatah’s capability to unseat President Ruto.

While those allied to President Ruto argue that the lawmaker lacks a voting block and financial muscles to contest for presidency, a good number of Kenyans have encouraged him to go for it.

Okiya Omtatah is a brilliant man of great wisdom and integrity. In him i see shared values. I am open to working with him someday in the future.

— Morara Kebaso (@MoraraKebasoSnr) November 23, 2024

Omtatah says the committee’s chief objective is to gather, analyse, evaluate, and act on information on his capacity to challenge for the presidency in the August 2027 General Election.

Establishment of the committee is contained in a gazette notice dated November 22, 2024.

“Pursuant to Article 129, as read together with Article 138 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, it is notified for the information of the general public that Andrew Okiya Omtatah Okoiti, the Senator of the Republic of Kenya elected by the great people of Busia County, has established a Presidential Exploratory Committee,” the notice reads in part.

We are at a pivotal moment in our nation's history, and the call to serve has never been more urgent. After careful consideration and consultations with trusted advisors, community leaders, and citizens from all walks of life, I am pleased to announce the formation of a… pic.twitter.com/y9kNjA8vL2

— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) November 23, 2024

Omtatah said he reached the decision after careful consideration and consultations with trusted advisers on how best to address issues raised by the general public with bold and innovative leadership.

End of lecturers’ strike

The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) on Saturday, November 23, 2024, officially called off lecturers’ strike, a move that is expected to continue attracting mixed reactions.

The lecturers ended their 3-week strike following the signing of a return-to-work formula with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF).

The deal to end the strike includes government’s commitment to fully implement the 2021–25 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), valued at Sh9.7 billion.

In the agreement, the National Treasury committed to allocate Ksh4.3 billion to cater for implementation of the CBA in the 2024-25 financial year under Supplementary Estimates II. 

The remaining Ksh5.4 billion will be disbursed in two instalments of Sh2.7 billion each in the 2026-27 financial year.

Politicians in churches

Political leaders across the country are expected to flock different churches today, for worship.

As per the norm, they will most likely take to the church pulpit to speak, with most of their remarks being politics.

This is the first Sunday since the Catholic church rejected donations from politicians after President William Ruto and Nairobi county governor made contributions to Soweto Catholic Church last weekend.