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Basketball sensation Okot: “I will proudly fly Kenya’s flag high”

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By PHILLIP ORWA

22-year-old Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot Mullah has promised to proudly fly Kenya’s flag high.

She said her drafting into the WNBA was a gateway for Kenya’s basketballers.

Okot revealed that obsession with details, dedication and commitment propelled her to success.

She said learning from the best helped her to be drafted into the WNBA.

Okot was drafted in the WNBA Draft that took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, following a strong 2025/26 season that saw her emerge as one of the most productive frontcourt players in women’s college basketball.

“I always didn’t see myself being here today six years ago. I always acted like I was behind. I was always obsessed with details, putting in extra work, asking questions and learning from the more experienced players than me,” said Okot.

The Mumias-born girl was part of the Gamecocks squad that reached the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship final, competing at the highest level of the collegiate game.

“Madina brought so much to our team this year, both on the court and off. She is incredibly young in her basketball career, but her maturity and desire to improve her game go well beyond those years. We have seen so much growth from her over the course of the season, and everyone around our program is excited to see her thrive at the next level,” said Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Okot’s progression through the game has been notably accelerated, having only begun playing basketball in 2020. She started her college career in Kenya playing for Zetech University and then spent two years in the U.S. college system, first with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, before transferring to the South Carolina Gamecocks.

“Sometimes I wake up, and I’m like, ‘Am I really here?’ Sometimes it feels like it’s a dream because of what I’ve been through to get here. I’m just so grateful. Every day I wake up, I feel like it’s a great opportunity to get what I once dreamed about. I’m here. It’s just something to be grateful for,” Okot said in an interview with The Athletic.

Mullah (born August 23, 2004) has represented Kenya internationally on the country’s 3×3 and 5-aside teams. In 2022, Okot was named the Most Promising Girl at the Kenya Sports Personality of the Year (KSPY) Awards.

She first played volleyball at Bishop Sulumeti High School before transitioning into a basketballer while at Kaya Tiwi High School in 2020, while still green at the game.

At age 17, Okot was named to the Kenyan national basketball team, where she competed for Kenya’s FIBA 3×3 U23 team.

In 2022, Okot’s appearance playing for the 3×3 team in the 2022 Commonwealth Games caught the attention of Eastern Michigan University scouts, but visa issues prevented her from attending university in the United States.

Interestingly, Madina has been on a full scholarship throughout her basketball career of five years. She schooled at Kaya Tiwi High School on a full sports scholarship before joining Zetech University on another full scholarship as she turned out for Zetech Sparks in the women’s premier league.

When she was approached for the move to the US, it did not come as a surprise because Madina had offers before since she burst onto the scene playing for Kaya Tiwi.

After failing to secure a visa those four times, she remained in Kenya and played university basketball for Zetech University for two seasons while her visa issues were worked out, and signed for the Kenya Ports Authority team the same year, enabling the team to claim the Kenya Basketball Federation league title.

In 2023, Okot continued to play for Zetech and led the Kenya Ports Authority team to second place in the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League and was named to the Team of the Tournament. That year, she was the only African player to make the World Select Women’s Team roster at the Nike Hoop Summit.

When she went abroad, Mullah played all 34 games in her lone season in Starkville, averaging 11.3 points and a team-high 9.6 rebounds. She led the SEC and ranked fourth in the nation with a .649 field goal percentage. She ranked fourth in the SEC in rebounds per game, raising her average to 10.1 per SEC contest. She posted 12 double-doubles with a total of 22 games in double-figure points and 17 in double-figure rebounds.

Speaking yesterday to the media, Madina said that she was going to fly the Kenyan flag high with pride.

“Thank you for the prayers and sacrifices, and for believing in me. I will carry the Kenyan flag high,” she said.

Ruto’s City Hall meeting exposes widening rift in alliance and ODM

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lom robb
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0

By Anderson Ojwang’

Last Thursday was a mixed grill for the broad-based government. For President William Ruto, it was a historic moment when he delivered a landmark address to the Nairobi City County Assembly.

But the absence of a top national official from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with the majority of MCAs at the Assembly standing at 35 elected members, exposed the widening rift in the broad-based alliance and the Linda Ground faction of the party.

The City Hall address was historic and was the first time a sitting Head of State has spoken before a county assembly since the advent of devolution.

The address marked a significant shift in how the national government engages with county leadership. The ODM leadership had been invited to the occasion, and the party leader Dr Oburu Oginga had confirmed attendance.

But Oburu, who was away in the United Kingdom on official duty, delegated the party’s National Chairperson Gladys Wanga to represent him at the function.

However, sources told Western Insight that Wanga instead asked Makadara MP and branch chairman George Aladwa to represent the party leader while she visited Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto at his Nakuru home to condole with the family.

Attempts to get comment from Wanga were unsuccessful after she did not respond to our call.

Wanga wrote on her social handles: “I visited Captain William Ruto, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority, at his residence in Rongai Constituency, Nakuru County, to convey my heartfelt condolences following the tragic loss of his beloved daughter, Mitchell Jelimo Kemboi. I also extended my sincere wishes for his full recovery following his recent accident. Captain Ruto has been a steadfast friend to Homa Bay County, having visited on several occasions as the Kenya Ports Authority oversees the construction of the Homa Bay Pier. May God grant his family strength and comfort during this difficult time.”

Outside City Hall was teeming with thousands of ODM supporters in party colors and their United Democratic Alliance (UDA) counterparts to welcome the president and the party leader to the function.

Sources within the ODM Linda Ground are questioning why Wanga did not delegate one of the deputy party leaders for the function but instead chose Aladwa, diluting the importance of the event.

Aladwa wrote on his social media handle: “Today, as the ODM Chairman Nairobi, I accompanied H.E. President William Samoei Ruto to the Nairobi County Assembly where he delivered a keynote address. We remain committed to the Broad-Based approach in supporting the President’s agenda to transform Kenya.”

The Chief of Staff in the ODM party leader’s office, Mr Michael Agwanda, declined to comment on the matter.

Wanga has been present at most of President Ruto’s functions, and last year for the second year running, the president was the guest of honor during her Genowa county football tournament.

Recently, Rangwe MP Dr Lilian Gogo attacked Agwanda for representing Dr Oburu at the burial of the elder brother of ODM Executive Director Oduor Ongwen.

Gogo, who was in the company of Wanga, demanded the immediate sacking of the Chief of Staff.

“That show cause letter. I want it to be given to a son of Homa Bay. I don’t know whether he has gone? We can give the show cause letter. How can one represent the party leader as Chief of Staff while the MPs are here? How do you go to a function where the party chairperson is in attendance and you come here saying you want to represent the party leader? If it is for the joke, we will remove you from that office. I, Dr Lilian Achieng Gogo, have said it. We will remove you,” she said.

Oburu’s management skills

The sudden change in Dr Oburu’s management structure and office structure has brought disquiet within the party ranks.

Dr Oburu’s itinerary has also changed, and he is no longer attending the several unplanned functions he found himself in.

He currently prefers, in his free time, to play golf and spend time with his family, leaving several party officials disappointed.

At the party leader’s office in Riverside, appointments for meetings have become the order of the day, unlike during the time of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, when it was a walk-in and walk-out by party officials.

Dr Oburu meets people, including party officials, by appointment and has weeded out hangouts in his office.

At Riverside, there are no political hangouts and brokers, and there is total organization at the facility.

The ODM nominations

Tension is building in ODM with the insistence by the party leader that nominations must be free and fair.

Already, some top officials had started drawing their own lineups for the various elective posts, and this is bringing tension in the party.

Zoning of ODM strongholds

Wanga opened the taps of tears over what she termed as betrayal and lack of respect for ODM.

Visibly emotional and drained, Wanga used a handkerchief in her hand to wipe the tears as the public watched in disbelief and sympathized at the same time.

Wanga declared that ODM was the only inheritance left behind by the founder, the late Raila Odinga, and will defend it at all cost.

“This our party is what our party leader, the late Raila, left us. It is all we have. We will defend and protect our party. Defending our party comes number one before anything else. So we will defend our party, our people, and we will defend our areas. We will make sure that our parliamentary strength is not reduced by even an inch. Ok wane mumbo wala ei ot (We are not scared of darkness). No, no. It is our party. Weche modong wabiro wacho mbele ka wasebedo kod heshima e party ka (We will only discuss other business when respect exists),” she said.

Wanga said any discussion will only be applicable when ODM gets its respect and its political strongholds are respected and safeguarded from infiltration.

“Other things we will talk about, but we must first have respect for our party. Those other things will follow later. Because without the party, voters and the people, there is nowhere we are going, my people,” she said.

Over the weekend, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who recently defected to President William Ruto’s party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claimed several ODM MPs from the region were crossing over to UDA and were participating in the party elections.

“Today, we are having several ODM MPs conducting UDA elections in their constituencies. We are a team and a force. You can see the number of ODM MPs crossing over to UDA,” he said.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed claimed that state machinery was being used to pressure ODM legislators – particularly from the Coast and Western regions – to defect to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

President Ruto and Oburu remain close, but a section of ODM is pulling away and may opt for other options.

President Ruto commissions Nyamira Water Supply Project

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lom robb
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By Hope Barbra

President William Ruto on Monday launched the transformative Nyamira Water Project being implemented by Lake Victoria South Water Works Agency.

The president also launched the Nyamira Last Mile Connectivity Project.

The two transformative initiatives will enhance water security in the region and boost the economy.

President Ruto said the project will serve 15,000 households with clean water in the region.

“I commissioned the Nyamira Water Supply Project and launched the last mile water connectivity project in Nyamira County. The 40km pipeline connects more than 15,000 households to clean water in Kebirigo, Nyaramba, Miruka, and the surrounding areas, including the family of Mzee Joshua Machogu Twara, who welcomed us to their home,” he wrote on his social media handles.

The Nyamira Water Supply Last Mile Connectivity and Improvement Project specifically targets a current population of approximately 61,294 residents, with projections indicating growth to about 81,350 people by the year 2050.

The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa, State Department of Water and Sanitation PS Julius Kori, LVSWWDA Chairman Mr. Dan Omino, OGW, LVSWWDA CEO Ms. Jackline Kemunto, Director John Momanyi, Director Dr. Cecilia Ng’etich, among other dignitaries.

These projects build on the gains achieved during the 2019 system expansion and are strategically designed to extend treated water services to underserved areas within Nyamira Town. The surrounding peri-urban and rural communities will also benefit from the water project.

The projects serve as key service delivery optimization interventions aimed at enhancing access to clean and safe water, improving the reliability of supply, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water services in the region.

LSK South Eastern branch writes to give boycott notice to JSC over embattled Machakos High Court Judge

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lom robb
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By Reporter

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) South Eastern branch has written a protest letter to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over the transfer of embattled Judge Lady Justice Josephine Wayua Wambua Mongare to Machakos High Court.

The branch also gave formal notice of a boycott of all proceedings presided over by Justice Mongare by advocates from the region until the allegations in question are conclusively and transparently addressed.

Instead, the branch chairperson, Priscilla Kioko, wants Lady Justice Rhoda Rutto to remain in place to continue discharging her judicial duties until the normal judicial transfer window is open.

“We remain steadfast in our duty to uphold the rule of law and administration of justice and will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that the dignity and credibility of our courts are observed,” she wrote.

She said it was their considered view that any judicial officer facing corruption allegations and investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should not be transferred from their work station to a new station.

“Rather, the JSC should take the necessary steps to ensure that investigations are completed and the judicial officer is cleared of any wrongdoing before continuing with their duties or being transferred to another court station,” she wrote.

According to the Deputy Registrar of Machakos High Court, D. Endo, Lady Justice Mongare has proceeded on leave.

Endo wrote in a communique: “Take notice that Lady Justice Josephine Wayua Wambua Mongare – Judge Presiding High Court 3 – is on leave until 30th April 2026. All matters scheduled before High Court 3 between 13/4/2026 and 30/04/2026 shall be mentioned before the Deputy Registrar for issuance of new dates. Any inconvenience is highly regretted.”

The lawyers, who spoke after the annual general meeting over the weekend, said they have unanimously rejected the transfer, citing integrity concerns.

They said the office of a judge demands unquestionable character and warned that any doubts about integrity would erode public confidence in the justice system.

“Justice Mongare became the subject of media coverage. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission was investigating alleged corruption involving the judge. Indeed, there is a pending petition being Milimani Petition Number 189 of 2026, in which the judge seeks to stall investigations by the EACC. While all these were happening, the judge was transferred to Machakos High Court,” the statement read in part.

The branch said they were of the common position, as members of the LSK South Eastern branch, that the said judge should be on leave pending investigations.

“She cannot serve in our branch. Once she clears her name and confidence is restored, she can continue serving members of the public.”

In the statement, they asked JSC to take their concerns seriously and withhold the posting of the judge to Machakos High Court.

“Our members are directed to boycott should the JSC fail to act accordingly,” read the statement.

Recently, Milimani High Court granted Judge Justice Mongare a conservatory order against the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Judge Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued a conservatory order pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Petitioner/Applicant’s Notice of Motion Application dated 18/03/2026.

He said: “The conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the EACC, jointly and severally, and whether directly or through their officers, employees, agents, related entities, multi-agency partners, or any person or bodies acting in concert with them or under their authority, from investigating, summoning, questioning, arresting, detaining, requiring statement recording, and/or acquiring, searching, receiving, or seizing any property, device, documents, records, premises, information, or material related to any adverse or potentially adverse matter concerning Judge Mongare arising from the ostensible discharge of her duties and/or conduct, actions, omissions, or decisions howsoever otherwise.”

The judge directed that the Petitioner, Justice Mongare, shall serve the EACC with the application, the Petition, and the Court Order in both hard copy and soft copy immediately and file an Affidavit of Service in that regard by close of business on 23/03/2026.

He directed that the EACC shall enter appearance and file and serve their respective responses to both the application and the petition, and they shall do so by close of business on 10/04/2026.

The Petitioner shall have leave to file and serve a rejoinder, if need be, and shall do so by close of business on 24/04/2026.

“Mention on 06/05/2026 in physical/open court to confirm compliance and take further directions. The public and/or persons unrelated to the matter shall be excluded from attending the said mention and all other future appearances, unless the Court directs otherwise,” said Judge Mwamuye.

Recently, former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava and three other suspects were arrested and released on Sh200,000 cash bail each pending investigation into bribery claims.

The officials said they will forward the outcome of the investigation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and possible charges.

EACC arrested the former judge and advocate Kimani Wachira over an alleged bribery scheme linked to a commercial dispute currently before the High Court of Kenya.

Officials at the anti-graft agency confirmed that Mutava, Wachira and two other suspects were arrested following investigations into claims that they demanded a bribe of USD 80,000 (approximately Sh10.4 million).

According to the EACC, the money was allegedly solicited to influence the outcome of a commercial case involving a former Cabinet minister, Raphael Tuju, which is currently pending before the High Court.

FIFA WOMEN’S SERIES TEAMS TOUR NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK AHEAD OF TOURNAMENT FINALE

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lom robb
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By PHILLIP ORWA

Players and technical staff from the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series took time off from the ongoing tournament to sample the splendour of the wild at the Nairobi National Park ahead of the tournament’s crunch closing fixtures.

The trip, facilitated by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), offered the visiting delegations drawn from Australia, Malawi, alongside Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, a direct encounter with Kenya’s natural heritage, merging the energy of the sporting event with a curated showcase of the country’s tourism offering.

Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili was among those who welcomed the initiative, describing it as a refreshing break from tournament routine.

“The excursion was a very good experience. Some of our players and group members have never been to a park before, so visiting Nairobi National Park has been very special. We have seen lions and buffaloes, among other animals. Kenya is like Malawi in many ways, and we feel at home here,” Fazili said.

He added that the excursion had lifted the spirits of his squad ahead of their third-place play-off against India on Wednesday.

“It is a must-win game. With the motivation from this trip and the support of the officials travelling with us, we believe we can do better,” he said.

The visit is part of the growing partnership between KTB and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), an agreement signed last year that covers joint destination marketing, integration of tourism experiences into sporting events, and the active promotion of Kenya as a sports tourism hub.

KTB Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said the fam trip was part of a broader strategy that recognises the vital role of sport in bringing together global audiences and opening new markets for Kenya’s tourism sector.

“Hosting the FIFA Women’s Series is a proud moment for Kenya not only in the sporting arena but also in the tourism space. A core part of our strategy is introducing delegations of this calibre to a holistic Kenyan experience that goes beyond the playing ground. Through such familiarisation trips and other activations, we aim to turn visiting athletes into lifelong ambassadors of Magical Kenya,” said Chepkemei.

The FIFA Women’s Series is an invitational tournament that brings together national teams from different continental confederations for friendly matches during the FIFA international window. Kenya is hosting one of four groups from April 11 to 15 at Nyayo National Stadium, alongside Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

Sports tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry, and Kenya is positioning itself as a premier destination on the back of major events including the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

The FIFA Women’s Series tournament concludes Wednesday with Malawi set to face India in the third-place play-off before Kenya’s Harambee Starlets square off in the tournament finale with Australia’s Matildas, with both fixtures taking place at Nyayo National Stadium.

Kenya’s basketballer, Okot drafted into WNBA

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lom robb
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By PHILLIP ORWA

Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft, held on Monday night, April 13 2026 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.

With this selection, Okot becomes one of the few Kenyan players to be drafted into the WNBA and the first to be selected in the first round, marking a historic milestone for Kenyan basketball on the global stage.

The 6’6” center enters the professional ranks following an outstanding 2025/26 collegiate season, most recently with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The 22-year–old Mumias born Okot played a key role in helping the team reach the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship final, competing at the highest level of the college game.

Across the season, she averaged: • 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game • 57.5% field goal shooting and 44.8% from three-point range • 22 double-doubles, tied for the most among players in Power Conference programs Okot’s rise through the game has been nothing short of extraordinary, moving from picking up basketball in 2020 to reaching the professional stage within just a few years.

She began her journey in Kenya with Zetech University before transitioning to the U.S. collegiate system, where she first starred for the Mississippi State Bulldogs prior to her move to the South Carolina Gamecocks. She now joins the Atlanta Dream adding size, versatility, and rebounding presence to a roster that includes WNBA All Stars Angle Reese and Allisha Gray to add to a competitive core in the Eastern Conference.

“I had to be Obsessed with details…. This is not just for me. It is for all of Kenya, and I hope it makes us believe we belong at any stage” said Madina Okot

Following the draft, Okot will report to training camp beginning April 19, 2026, as teams begin preparations for the upcoming season.

The training camp period will precede: • Preseason games starting April 25, 2026 • The 2026 WNBA regular season tip-off on May 8, 2026 Her transition to the professional level marks the next phase in a journey that has seen her rise from local beginnings in Kenya to the global stage in just a few years.

Murkomen praises Orengo for lobbying projects while in opposition, blames Natembeya for reluctance on projects

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lom robb
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By Anderson Ojwang

Siaya Governor James Orengo has received rare praise from Internal Security Permanent Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for lobbying national government projects for his county.

At the same time, Murkomen took a swipe at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for his negative attitude towards national projects.

Murkomen said Orengo, despite his opposition to the government of President William Ruto, still walks to the President and various government ministries to lobby for projects.

“If you look at Siaya, James Orengo, who is opposed to the President, but on issues of development, at night he visits the President to lobby for projects,” he said.

The CS said when he was the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Orengo frequented his office to lobby for national government projects.

“When I was the CS for Roads, Orengo would frequent my office, saying, ‘You know Murkomen, we were senators together, kindly help me develop road infrastructure,'” he said.

He said some of the infrastructural projects he lobbied for from the ministry included the construction of piers and road networks, which are ongoing.

Recently, President Ruto presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Usenge Pier in Bondo. The President, who spoke at the function, announced that phase one of the project will be completed in six months.

The development project, spearheaded by the Kenya Ports Authority at a cost of Sh 600 million, will be undertaken in two phases.

The new Usenge Pier will serve as a modern fish landing site and lake transport hub for passengers interconnecting between Luanda K’otieno, Mbita, Homa Bay, Sena and Kisumu.

Upon completion, the facility will ease road transport time from Kisumu by half an hour with water bus and ferry services alongside other scheduled landing sites.

The site will position Lake Victoria as suitable for port logistics, cargo handling, transportation, passenger movement and fish processing while accelerating economic development within the lake region.

Phase one of the project will encompass supply, installation/construction, testing, commissioning and handover of earthworks (cut, fill and leveling), perimeter wall, main gate and guard house. Others include landscaping works and construction of a 25m wide by 200m long jetty.

“After phase one, we will be back for construction of a cold room, dryers and storage facilities,” the President added.

Murkomen said currently Orengo is in the opposition but knows very well that the projects he lobbied for are ongoing.

“I know Orengo will not go far because he used to visit the President at night for projects; he will still come back at night to support Ruto ahead of the elections,” he said.

Murkomen said when he was Sports Minister, Orengo visited his office several times over the completion of construction of Siaya Stadium.

“We helped him and even gave money from the Sports Fund. And all the seats that were removed from Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, during renovations were donated to Siaya County after President Ruto’s direction,” he said.

In 2024, President Ruto pumped over Sh 500M into the upgrade of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, which had stalled for six years after its inception.

Later in the year, President Ruto launched the new 20,000-seater Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, where Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga were in attendance.

Similarly, Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya has also presided over the ground-breaking for the upgrade of Siaya Level 4 Hospital.

The hospital modernization will see the construction of a five-storey block with additional beds, boosting healthcare delivery in Siaya and the wider Nyanza region.

Governor Orengo then lauded Ruto for fulfilling his pledge on the projects.

But Murkomen blamed Natembeya for turning his back on national government projects.

“Governor Natembeya has refused to seek audience with President Ruto over the national projects, and this has undermined the projects in the area,” he said.

Natembeya is a member of the united opposition and a leader of the Tawe movement, which is opposed to the political status quo in the region and nationally.

Tears in ODM

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lom robb
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0

By Anderson Ojwang

The honeymoon is over, the fanfare is gone. It is now time for premium tears in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as reality sinks deeper and painfully.

In Homa Bay County, the ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga opened the taps of tears as they freely flowed over what she termed as betrayal and lack of respect for ODM.

Visibly emotional and drained, Wanga used a handkerchief in her hand to wipe the tears as the public watched in disbelief and sympathized at the same time.

Wanga declared that ODM was the only inheritance left behind by the founder, the late Raila Odinga, and will defend it at all cost.

“This our party is what our party leader, the late Raila, left us. It is all we have. We will defend and protect our party. Defending our party comes number one before anything else. So we will defend our party, our people, and we will defend our areas. We will make sure that our parliamentary strength is not reduced by even an inch. Ok wane mumbo wala ei ot (We are not scared of darkness). No, no. It is our party. Weche modong wabiro wacho mbele ka wasebedo kod heshima e party ka (We will only discuss other business when respect exists),” she said.

Wanga said any discussion will only be applicable when ODM gets its respect and its political strongholds are respected and safeguarded from infiltration.

“Other things we will talk about, but we must first have respect for our party. Those other things will follow later. Because without the party, voters and the people, there is nowhere we are going, my people,” she said.

Yesterday, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who recently defected to President William Ruto’s party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claimed several ODM MPs from the region were crossing over to UDA and were participating in the party elections.

Savula claimed 10 ODM MPs had crossed over to participate in the UDA elections, and in 2027 a new political shift will emerge in the region with most of the ODM MPs defending their seats on President Ruto’s party.

“Today, we are having several ODM MPs conducting UDA elections in their constituencies. We are a team and a force. You can see the number of ODM MPs crossing over to UDA,” he said.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed claimed that state machinery was being used to pressure ODM legislators – particularly from the Coast and Western regions – to defect to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He said the move was aimed at weakening ODM’s national influence and reducing it to a regional outfit.

ODM joined the government following the 2024 political realignments and youth-led protests, a move supported by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to stabilize governance and promote national unity.

“We joined to foster unity and inclusivity. The party could reconsider its position if it continues to be sidelined,” he said.

The party has now convened a Central Management Committee meeting to assess the situation and determine its next course of action, including the possibility of exiting the arrangement.

But President Ruto has moved to forestall the ODM tears, saying UDA and ODM will unite and work together.

“The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will unite and work together. The underhand forces driving division between our two parties will not succeed. Our country is better when UDA and ODM are together. We are strengthening the Broad-Based Government through continuous consultation with grassroots and elected leaders. This keeps us in touch with the realities of our fellow citizens, ensuring the decisions we make are shaped by the people. Our goal is to unite the country around a shared agenda – the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda – and drive inclusive growth where no Kenyan or region is left behind,” he wrote on his social media handles.

The ODM Linda Ground faction is also divided, with a section of members opposed to zoning while Wanga and her team support zoning.

The proponents of zoning, who had earlier been lobbying for the Deputy President slot in the ODM-UDA pre-election coalition, have abandoned that debate and have now placed zoning as a priority in the negotiations.

MPs Millie Odhiambo, Elisha Odhiambo, Onyango Koyoo, and Senator Tom Ojienda have opposed the proposal.

Millie said ODM was the most popular party in the country and the call for zoning was retrogressive and uncalled for.

“There has been a lot of discussion on the issue of zoning. My personal position is that ODM is a popular party. We have declared ODM as a popular and the largest party in the country; how come we demand zoning?” she asked.

She said ODM has managed to successfully front candidates without any formal form of zoning, perhaps maybe a silent agreement like in Nairobi.

“There has never been a need for zoning for ODM. Let us be honest: none of us is Raila Amolo Odinga. We need to listen to the public. The public is keen that we show what we have done for the public. When we start pushing an agenda of zoning, it means we put our personal interest ahead of our constituents,” she said.

Millie said elected leaders should not be scared of competition if they know they have delivered on their mandate.

“If I have worked for my constituency, I should not fear meeting my opponents. So when we talk about zoning, we seem to be seeking favorable treatment. Let us reconsider the issue of zoning,” she said.

The proponents of zoning argue that in order to support Ruto’s re-election, UDA should not field any of their candidates in regions currently held by ODM.

Kaluma said: “I want to tell our friends in UDA, if you think you can have members here in Homa Bay, it will take away votes from the President. In fact, if you want to destroy our relationship, try fronting anyone other than ODM here in Homa Bay.”

Alego MP Sam Atandi said there was no negotiation over zoning and will not allow UDA to plant candidates in Nyanza.

“We are not going to allow UDA to plant a candidate here in Muhoroni. All our party strongholds are reserved for ODM, nothing less or more,” he said.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar has dismissed ODM’s zoning demands, saying the UDA party will field candidates across the country.

The UDA Secretary General argued that if ODM is confident in its strongholds, it should allow other parties to field candidates in those areas.

“ODM says the Coast is their stronghold; we are telling them the Coast belongs to the people of the Coast, let us compete fairly. And they claim that even if some of us are allowed to vie for seats, we cannot defeat them in their ODM zones. If you have that kind of courage and confidence, then what problem is the issue with us contesting for those seats?” Omar questioned.

Limo Denies Muigua Winston Churchill Three-peat as Rundgren Triumphs at NCBA Golf Series Qualifier in Nanyuki

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By PHILLIP ORWA

Elly Limo of Golf Park won the NCBA Winston Churchill 2026 after posting a total of 222 (+6) to secure victory in the three-day tournament beating Muigua by one stroke.

Limo, carded rounds of 71, 74, and 77 to deny Elvis Muigua a third consecutive title in the tournament as the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series continued at Thika Sports Club the past weekend.

Muigua, who had won the 2024 and 2025 editions, put up a strong defense of his title but ultimately fell short, finishing second on 223 (+7) after rounds of 72, 76, and 75.

Rono Kimutai, also of Golf Park Golf Club finished third on 225 (+9), posting rounds of 76, 72, and 77 as Kelvin Barasa from Great Rift Valley Golf Resort closed on 226 (+10). Nakuru Golf Club’s John Kamaisi rounded out the top five on 227 (+11).

Jay Sandhu currently leads the 2026 KAGC standings with 560 points, followed by Junaid Manji on 334.02 points. Muigua jumps to third after his second place finish in Thika with 247.26 points as Kamoza Longwe drops to fourth with 246.30 points. Michael Karanga rounds out the top five with 243.52 points.
Up next on the KAGC calendar is the inaugural Machakos Open from Friday April 17 to Sunday, April 19.

The Nanyuki qualifier is part of the ongoing 2026 NCBA Golf Series, which continues to traverse clubs across the country and across the East Africa region, with the first regional event set for June in Uganda.

Up next on the series’ calendar is a mini-qualifier at Golf Park next weekend on Saturday April 18.

Sunshine Development Tour West Africa Q-School Tees Off in Lagos

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By PHILLIP ORWA

The Sunshine Development Tour – West Africa Qualifying School tees off today at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the Tour’s footprint across the continent.

The three-day, 54-hole tournament, running from April 13 to 15, has attracted a strong field of 62 professional golfers from across West and Central Africa, including entrants from Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon and host nation Nigeria.

The host nation Nigeria fields a strong lineup including Olalere Olakunle, Jimoh Lukman, Daniel Okon, Gabriel Onyema and Desmond Matthew, all looking to make an impression on home soil.

Ghana’s challenge will be led by Livia Hawah Brito, while Cameroon is represented by players such as Arnaud Djuidje and Jean Claude Biloa. Côte d’Ivoire’s contingent includes Jean N’Guessan and Kouame Kouadio, while Gabon’s Lionel Mba and Togo’s Ayele Djadja add further depth to the regional field.

Players will be competing for top ranking positions and the opportunity to secure status on the Sunshine Development Tour, providing a direct pathway to the Sunshine Tour and broader international opportunities.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, underscored the significance of the event for the region’s golfing landscape.

“This event holds great promise for the development of professional golf in West Africa. It represents a key step in creating structured opportunities for players in the region and opening doors to global competition.

We see the Sunshine Development Tour Qualifying School becoming a permanent fixture on our calendar, as part of our broader commitment to growing the game and elevating its visibility across the region.” he said.

The West Africa Q-School follows the recently concluded East Africa edition held at Limuru Country Club in Kenya, where amateur Ali Wasim emerged winner after a composed four-round performance to top the leaderboard at level par. He finished ahead of John Karichu and American Andrew Procter, who tied for second place on 2-over par 290.

With growing participation and increasing regional interest, the Lagos leg is expected to further strengthen the Tour’s role as a critical development platform, as players look to take the next step in their professional journeys.

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