By Habil Onyango
When Dorah Anyango, 56, took her ailing husband to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for medication, she never knew her life would change forever.

A resident of Wi Obiero village within Homa Bay County, had for long been living her normal life and ongoing with her normal activities without noticing any serious medical complication.

The mother of six, however, had been experiencing some headaches, a matter which she never took seriously since she could access over-the-counter medications that used to reduce the pain and had never thought of going for a checkup.

Her late husband, who had been suffering from colon cancer, was referred to MTRH, and she accompanied him after his condition worsened.

One day at the hospital, Anyango found herself in one of the wards after she collapsed, not knowing the actual cause after being rushed by the emergency team

“When I came back to my senses, I found myself admitted to another ward, which was different from where my husband was. I could not remember what actually transpired,” she said.

To her surprise, the Doctors narrated to her the ordeal and informed her that she had collapsed due to hypertension, which might have been caused by the illness of her husband, who later passed on.

“I used to suffer from headaches on regular occasions back at home, but never took it seriously since I could afford pain killer drugs which temporarily relieved pain, not knowing that I had some underlying medical conditions.”

“Due to the challenges we were undergoing as a family, sometimes of were stressed up, but I never thought this could lead to hypertension since I never even bothered to go for medical checkups, but I used to depend on pain killers whenever I felt unwell,” she said

“I was really surprised when the doctors informed me that I had high blood pressure since it had never even run through my mind or thought of suffering from such a disease,” she said.

“I thought that my world had come to an end following the revelation; however, after cancelling and being informed that the condition is manageable, I came to reality and accepted the condition before being enrolled on medication”, she said.

Back at home, the patient started buying the drugs at a local private health facility until 2022, when she could no longer afford them due to the high prices.

“We were exhausted after the passing of my husband in 2011, and with the support of well-wishers and family members, I was only able to buy the drugs until 2022 when I stopped due to lack of finances,” she said.

Her condition, however, worsened after defaulting.

However, one evening, good luck knocked on her door when one of her friends directed her to seek medication at Nyalkinyi health centre, where free hypertension services and drugs are being provided.

According to Anyango, ever since she got enrolled at the facility, she has been living a healthy life since she has been getting free hypertension drugs, thanks to the support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an International NGO based in Homa Bay.

According to the Ministry of Health, globally, three out of every ten individuals are living with hypertension; however, in Kenya, the prevalence rate is 24 per cent.

About 78 per cent of people diagnosed with the disease are not on treatment, and for those on treatment, only 3 per cent have achieved blood pressure control, according to the STEPS survey 2015.

According to the Kenya Health Facility Assessment, 2018, approximately 44 per cent of health facilities in Kenya are not able to diagnose and treat hypertension.

According to MOH, hypertension, along with other NCDs like Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma, Epilepsy and chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease, among others, account for up to 39 in every 100 deaths in Kenya.

However, in Homa Bay, MSF is currently offering free medical services to patients suffering from the NCDs at Nyakinyi and Marindi Sub-County Hospitals within Homa Bay Town Sub-County.

Hypertension, or High blood pressure, is a condition where the heart pumps blood around the body with greater force than normal, and it is a common lifelong disorder that many people develop when they grow older.

According to the MSF Programs Coordinator, Anne Bruckenhoff, they came up with the initiative in 2019 following an internal review in the inpatient department at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, which showed that one in every five deaths occurred from chronic diseases.

She said, according to the review, it was noted that among patients with chronic diseases in the County, four in every five deaths occurred in the first 24 hours of admission.

“Following these findings, in 2021 MSF implemented a decentralised, simplified model of care for chronic diseases in Nyalkinyi and Marindi health centres within Homa Bay Sub County,” she said.

“This was a way to reduce the deaths and complications associated with chronic diseases, which enables the patients to be treated for their disease in smaller facilities closer to where they live,” she said

According to the coordinator, the decentralisation of care also includes an established referral framework for a continuum of care from these health facilities to the Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Bruckenhoff revealed that together with the Ministry of Health, they are currently supporting 1,394 patients at Nyalkinyi and Marindi health centres.

“At the moment, our organisation is providing support to 870 patients at Marindi and another 524 at Nyalkinyi Health facilities, and the number continues to increase,” she said.

“We know many people remain undiagnosed, untreated and unaware of the dangers brewing within them. Hypertension is a silent killer, and everyone is urged to take the initiative and get a check-up so that they can know their condition,” she said.

Apart from offering free medication to the hypertension patients, MSF has also supported the MOH by training Health workers to be able to conduct screening, diagnose and manage the condition effectively.

They have also been facilitating regular follow-ups, offering counselling services to patients and community outreach to keep the patients engaged in the care.

The organisation has also been creating awareness to let people understand blood pressure control.

“Our effort has led to many people now coming out for regular checkups, not only on the hypertension but other NCDs,” she said.

The coordinator, however, revealed that despite the strides they have made in tackling the disease, there are several challenges.

She said that the unavailability of anti-hypertension medication and, lack of enough lifesaving drugs have hindered their efforts to serve the patients diligently.

Access to health care, she said, is limited, especially in the rural areas, due to the distance they need to cover and the transport costs they need to access the two facilities, which are the only ones offering free hypertension services in the entire Homa Bay.

Lack of awareness has also affected the locals since many people still lack the information needed to understand why regular blood pressure checkups are important, which can enable them to seek support.

The coordinator, however, called on different stakeholders, the MOH, Health policy makers, and partners, to prioritise hypertension as a serious health issue.

She advised them to invest in diagnostic tools, especially at the Primary care level and also to supply medications to all medical facilities across the country.

She further called for the training of more health workers on proper management of the chronic diseases, advising, “Hypertension may be silent but the damages it causes is not, act early, measure your blood pressure regularly, control it effectively and help all the community live longer.”

“Hypertension is a silent killer disease; however, with proper care and medication, it is manageable,” she said.

Salome Akinyi from Rongo Constituency, who has been receiving her drugs in Homa Bay, however, said that hypertension is manageable and she has lived with it for over seven years since she was diagnosed with it.

She urged those who have not gone for the checkups to do so to enable them to know their conditions.

“If I had not gone for checkups and enrolled in drugs, I would not be alive by now,” she said.

“To those who are suffering from the disease, the best way to live longer is to enrol for the drugs, take your drugs in time and live a healthy life as directed by the doctors,” she added.

Mboya TJ, a resident of Komollo village, Homabay Town, who was diagnosed with the condition three years ago, however, challenged the County Government to allocate some funds so that they can be easily available in various health facilities within the County.

He said several patients are dying silently since they cannot afford to purchase the drugs, and due to the long distance from the two health facilities established by MSF to access medication.

“The County Government through the MOH should put into the budget allocation for hypertension drugs to enable the sick to access them at closer facilities,” he said.

“They should not assume that MSF are helping the patients; they should also chip in and offer checkups, and offer drugs to patients freely,” he added.

In an effort for a long-term plan, Mboya revealed that they have already formed a Community Based Organisation within Homa Bay Town Sub County, which provides psychological, social and economic support to its members who are suffering from hypertension.

He cited that MSF, being a private and international NGO, might decide to leave the Country at any time, and this might leave their lives in jeopardy since it is the only one caring for the hypertension patients.

“We came up with the group to offer our member psychological, social and even economic support for instance even one of our members might lack money to buy drugs we can organize for a fundraiser and assist him or her to get the essentials even for two or three days to be able to continue with her or his life as usual,” he said.

He, however, advised hypertension patients to join the organisation to help in solving unforeseen circumstances that might affect them in future.

Homa Bay Public Health Officer, who coordinates health promotion and education, Kennedy Omollo, however, assured the residents that the County Government has enough Community Health Providers who are capable of offering check-up services to the locals.

“We have enough well-trained CHP in all parts of the County who are creating awareness and offering various services, including hypertension checkups,” he said.

The Officer, however, advised the locals that early detection and control of blood pressure can keep them healthy.

“Hypertension does not cause symptoms, and this means that most people who have the condition do not feel sick and may not be aware they have it, and this can only be revealed through a checkup,” he said.

He, however, advised that for one to control hypertension, he or she should stop smoking, check the weight by avoiding being overweight, reduce taking too much salt and fats regularly, avoid taking a lot of alcohol, avoid stress and always exercise.

Currently, MSF, whose County office is based in Homa Bay Town, is the only organisation that offers free NCD treatment with only two facilities in the entire Homa Bay County.

By Remmy Butia

In the heart of Nairobi, where iron-sheet shanties once stood as a painful reminder of urban inequality, a powerful transformation is taking place. The dream of decent, affordable housing for Mukuru slum residents – long dismissed as impossible – has finally come to life under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Today, the first 1,080 housing units rise proudly in Mukuru, a testament to the Kenya Kwanza Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This is not just brick and mortar; it is dignity, hope, and a new beginning for thousands of families who once lived in squalor.

From Promise to Reality: A President Who Delivers

President Ruto, a leader deeply rooted in the struggles of ordinary Kenyans, made a solemn pledge: to lift millions from poverty by prioritising affordable housing. Unlike leaders who make empty promises, President Ruto acts. His administration, through the Affordable Housing Programme, has turned Mukuru – a symbol of neglect – into a beacon of progress.

These modern, well-planned units come with water, electricity, sanitation, and green spaces – luxuries once unimaginable for slum dwellers. More than just shelter, this project has created jobs, empowered local businesses, and spurred economic growth, proving that the Bottom-Up model is not just a slogan but a blueprint for Kenya’s prosperity.

A Slum Transformed, Lives Elevated

For years, Mukuru’s residents endured flooding, disease, and despair. But now, mothers shed tears of joy as they receive keys to their new homes. Children who once played in open sewers will now grow up in safe, clean environments. This is the true meaning of Bottom-Up development that starts with the most vulnerable.

President Ruto’s leadership has silenced doubters. Critics said it couldn’t be done, but he proved them wrong. His unwavering commitment to housing as a right, not a privilege, is rewriting Kenya’s urban story.

The Journey Continues

The Mukuru project is just the beginning. Under President Ruto’s bold vision, 200,000 affordable homes will be built across Kenya, creating millions of jobs and uplifting entire communities. This is leadership in action – a President who walks the talk, a government that puts Wanjiku first.

As the sun rises over Mukuru’s new skyline, one thing is clear: William Samoei Ruto is a President who keeps his word. His legacy will be etched not in empty speeches but in the homes he built, the lives he transformed, and the future he secured for generations to come.

By Team

Finally, the Luo community is waking up to the negative effects of expensive funerals, which are a recipe for poverty and economic degeneration.

Political leaders, scholars, the business community, and residents are in agreement that expensive and elaborate funerals have been turned into a money-minting industry and are having a negative impact on the community.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at the weekend, finally broke his silence over the matter and called on the community and the Luo Council of Elders to initiate a conversation on the issue.

Raila asked the Luo Council of Elders to urgently address the concerns that have emerged over funerals in the community and guide the people on the best way forward.

“We must have a conversation about our funerals and the economic impact it has on the community’s economy. The council of elders needs to guide the community on this important discourse.

Funerals cannot be industries. The Luo community had a structured way for burials and it did not take a long time. The expenditures were clearly guided, unlike what we have today.
This is not the way to grow as a community. It is time we re-evaluated ourselves and returned to the old ways of how the community handled burials and the expenditures that go with it,” he said.

Luo Council of Elders’ Mzee Odungi Randa said the community has adopted very negative practices and is to blame for the high cost of funeral expenditures.

He said in the past, the Luo community would bury the deceased immediately after death, just like the Muslim community.

“We are a very difficult people. I have raised this matter, and it is now time we must address it as a people. We must go back to our old practices and avoid imitation,” he said.

Randa said he will convene an urgent meeting with the community leadership and professionals to chart a new path on the matter.

He noted that, traditionally, before the burial of the deceased, members of the Luo community did not feast or eat at funerals.

Randa said the elaborate and expensive funerals have a negative impact on bereaved families and often leave them poorer.

Kisumu Woman Representative, Ms Ruth Odinga, said funerals have become lucrative business ventures, and most of those engaged in event management are not even from the Luo community.

“The majority of the event managers are not from the Luo community, and it is sad that after the burial, the bereaved families are confined to poverty. The millions that were raised have all been consumed,” she said.

Ruth said the high expectations surrounding funerals are crippling several financial initiatives by women’s and youth groups, as they are forced to withdraw their savings and also borrow to meet the high funeral costs.

“We, as a community, overspend on funerals, which is unrealistic for the community’s economic growth. We must have a change of attitude on the matter to avoid sinking the community into abject poverty,” she said.

Ruth also blamed politicians for turning funerals into political rallies, adding that they prefer to contribute towards funerals rather than development projects.

By Team

A night meeting between Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her deputy, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, over a possible candidate to succeed the slain Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were, ended in a stalemate.

Wanga arrived at Magwanga’s home shortly after 8.30 pm in the company of three top officers from the County Government and the County Assembly and left shortly after 4.30 am.

It was the first time Wanga had visited Magwanga’s home since she was elected the Governor of Homa Bay County, and sources revealed the meeting centred on the candidate to succeed Ongondo.

Wanga and her team tried to prevail upon Magwanga to support Ongondo’s son, Boyd Were, but the latter was reluctant and did not commit to the proposal.

On the table, sources told Western Insight, Wanga asked Magwanga to support Boyd and, in return, she would support his candidature for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Homa Bay County Chairman seat.

Magwanga confirmed the visit, saying they discussed various issues and neither denied nor confirmed whether he was approached to support the son of his political nemesis in exchange for the County ODM chair seat.

“The Governor visited me last night and we discussed several issues. You are free to speculate on whatever we discussed. I have been having several visitors to my home and everyone is welcome,” he said.

Recently, Western Insight reported that attempts by a section of MPs from Nyanza, led by Wanga who is the ODM National Chairperson, to have Boyd get a direct nomination was hitting a snag and had split the party.

Wanga and the leaders recently presented Mr Boyd Were at a local church and asked the residents to support his candidature to inherit his father’s seat.

Wanga, Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, Senator Moses Kajwang, Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo and Roza Buyu (Kisumu West) said the late Were’s son was the best-suited family member to replace his father as Kasipul Member of Parliament.

The team promised to support Boyd, who swore to stand strong with the people of Kasipul during his late father’s burial on his quest to become the next Constituency MP.

But the party’s top leadership hierarchy was uncomfortable with the move and wanted a free and fair nomination conducted to avoid any fallout in the party.

Sources told Western Insight the party was not convinced of Ongondo’s son’s capability of winning the seat should he be given a direct party ticket.

“Kasipul Constituency is volatile and the party is not ready to take any risks. I do not see Were’s son getting endorsement from the party leadership. ODM wants to contain any internal rebellion, and that is why, once the election is called, they will prefer a nomination over the awarding of a direct ticket,” said our sources.

With the recent death of Were, a number of leaders are already drumming up support for the late MP’s son, Boyd Were.

According to the ODM brigade from Homa Bay and other parts of the county, Boyd is seen as the best person to inherit his late father’s seat.

Before his death, Were was facing a herculean task from his main challengers: Mr Newton Kefa Ogada, Philip Aroko, Samwel Owida, Okindo Majiwa, Ajoh Mbuta, Omondi Swaleh, and Rateng Kotiende.

According to Wanga, Homa Bay is an ODM zone and they expect no other party to field a candidate once the by-election is announced.

“As the Governor of Homa Bay and the ODM Chairperson, we support the Broad-Based Government since that is what we promised our party leader and President William Ruto.
However, we must know that Homa Bay and the entire region is an ODM zone and we will defend, protect, and stay strong for the party.

As we plan to go for by-elections in Kasipul, Ugunja Constituencies and other parts of the country, clearly we do not want to be in competition with our allies. We want cooperation and let the ODM seats remain as ODM seats,” she said during the burial ceremony.

The Kenyan Constitution stipulates that the Speaker of the National Assembly declares a parliamentary seat vacant within 21 days of the occurrence of a vacancy. The Speaker then notifies the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which is mandated under the Constitution to trigger a by-election to fill the vacant seat.

By Team

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has conducted a raid at the residence and office of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and four others over alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payments of Sh 1.4 billion by the county government.

The alleged financial improprieties were committed during the financial years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

But the raid was hampered by protests by a section of residents who not only deflated the tyres of vehicles belonging to the officers but also engaged in violent protest.

Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of EACC, Mr Abdi A. Mohammed, said the search operation was part of a wider investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.

He said the investigations focused on three major projects awarded by the county government:
“Rehabilitation and modernisation of Kenyatta Stadium (Phase 1A) – awarded to Parbat Siyan Construction Limited.
Construction of the Trans Nzoia County Headquarters Offices – awarded to CM Construction Company Limited.
Construction of Tom Mboya Hospital – awarded to Session Blue Contractors Limited,” he said.

He said the governor was alleged to have influenced the award of tenders and received kickbacks from contractors through proxies.

The persons of interest included George Natembeya, Governor, Trans Nzoia; Emanuel Masungo, Chief Officer, Finance; Dorothy Nyakuri, Chief Officer, Water; Eliyah Liambula, Director, Procurement; and Desmond Shivachi, Contractor / Proxy to the Governor.

“In addition, the Commission is probing allegations of money laundering and accumulation of unexplained wealth by senior county officials, suspected to be part of a broader scheme to conceal the proceeds of crime,” he said.

He said the search operation resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations.

“Unfortunately, during today’s operation at Governor Natembeya’s residence in Kitale, Commission vehicles were vandalised by a group of rowdy youths.

The Commission strongly condemns the violence directed at its officers while lawfully executing their mandate. It is an offence punishable by law for any person to obstruct a Commission officer while undertaking investigations.

This act of hooliganism is unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law. The Commission affirms that it is an independent constitutional body operating strictly within its mandate and will continue to discharge its duties,” he said

By Anderson Ojwang

History is beckoning in Homa Bay County as, for the first time since independence, it will host a national event — one that has brought with it a wave of development projects.

Residents of Homa Bay are finally witnessing the fruits of the Madaraka celebration in terms of development projects that have recently flooded the county.

The celebration, themed “Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,” will be a case study on how national celebrations can intersect with long-term development agendas, reinforcing the connection between symbolism, investment, and sustainable progress.

Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the decision to hold the fete in Homa Bay County was part of a broader national trajectory of inclusivity in development, regional empowerment, and strategic recognition of untapped potential.

“We will deliver a secure, flawless and nationally inclusive Madaraka that leaves a lasting impact on the host region and the country,” he said.

Omollo said the presence of the President and other dignitaries will open up and accelerate Homa Bay County’s appeal to investors, boost infrastructure development, and unlock tourism and trade potential for the future.

Omollo noted that Homa Bay Town, which previously had modest infrastructure, has now been elevated into a national hub capable of hosting one of the country’s public holidays.

“Homa Bay Town has witnessed comprehensive infrastructural upgrades and the plan to prepare the town for its historic role is on schedule,” he said.

He added that the transformation has resulted in a fully modernised Raila Odinga Stadium, upgraded road networks in the town, rehabilitation of Kabunde Airstrip, improved public facilities, and a rejuvenated waterfront.

“At the Raila Odinga Stadium, the government expanded the stadium’s capacity and upgraded its facilities to ensure it meets the national ceremonial standards for the event. The seating has been increased to accommodate 20,000 spectators, while the construction of terraces, roofing of pavilions, and installation of security features will ensure the safety and comfort of all guests,” he said.

He said the stadium will have a media zone, emergency exits, floodlights, and modern parade grounds, making it suitable for sports tournaments, regional events, and national state functions.

Omollo said that in a bid to improve access to the venue and general transport in the area, the government is upgrading more than 35 kilometres of roads currently under construction or rehabilitation within the town and its outskirts.

“The roads include a 1.2km ceremonial road from the pier to the stadium, 2km road connecting Arojo to the stadium, 10.8km of urban roads being improved, and rural link roads including Wahamba-Imbo (11km) and Ruga-Lala (12km), which are being murramed and upgraded to improve public access,” he said.

At Kabunde Airstrip, which will serve as the landing site for dignitaries, various works are ongoing including the construction of a modern terminal with check-in counters, waiting lounges, secure exits, and VIP holding areas.

Omollo said the County Commissioner’s residence is being upgraded to host the state garden party, with improvements including landscaping, internal renovation, new sanitation systems, and the raising of the perimeter wall.

For the first time in history, Homa Bay will also have a mini State Lodge — a temporary presidential residence to house the Head of State and host the Presidential Luncheon for the event.

“The government is rehabilitating the Homa Bay Pier, once a neglected transport hub on Lake Victoria. The rehabilitation of the pier is intended to reintroduce Homa Bay as an important player in the water transport ecosystem,” he said.

During the event, various activities will take place at the pier, including demonstrations of safe fish handling and cold chain preservation, launch of safe fish boats and maritime safety equipment, exhibitions of fish farming technologies such as floating cages and hatcheries, and showcases of climate-resilient water transportation and clean energy solutions for communities.

To solidify the theme of the event, the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy will use the occasion to highlight key policies, including:

“The rollout of the Kenya Blue Economy Strategy 2023–2027, the launch of new regulations governing fish landing sites and marine transport, opening of additional training centres for boat operators and safety officers, and announcements of new investments in aquaculture and fish processing zones,” he said.

Homa Bay County remains dear to President William Ruto, having visited it more frequently than any of the other 46 counties.

In Homa Bay, President Ruto has entrusted Dr Omollo and Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Economic Planning Mr John Mbadi with key positions.

It is in Homa Bay where the President’s party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has offices down to the ward level, has conducted peaceful party primaries, and has elected officials at the county level.

Homa Bay Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, is an ardent ally of President Ruto and one of the key supporters of the broad-based government.

Wanga has been critical of those opposed to the broad-based arrangement and has been vouching for a UDA–ODM working alliance.