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PS Omollo writes history with Police FC by winning the league and now delivers in coordinating CHAN tournament

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By Anderson Ojwang

After leading Police Football Club to their first-ever Premier League silverware and forcing the mighty Gor Mahia to conduct a radical overhaul in the technical bench and team management, the Permanent Secretary for Internal Security and Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, is not about to relent.

Currently, Omollo is the face of Kenya in the coordination of the ongoing CHAN tournament hosted by the three East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

For Kenya, the Executive and President William Ruto delegated the coordination of the event to Omollo, who has lived up to the challenge.

Omollo, who is the patron of Police FC, wrote history by dislodging Gor Mahia and Tusker from dominating Kenya’s Premier League and transforming the team into the new kids on the block.

Omollo wrote on his Facebook page after the victory: “As Patron of the FKF Premier League Champions, Kenya Police FC, I had the distinct honour of leading the team to a special breakfast meeting with H.E. President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

The celebratory occasion brought together distinguished leaders to recognise and applaud the club’s historic triumph, securing their first-ever Premier League title.

Kenya Police FC’s achievement is not just a milestone for the club but a significant moment for Kenyan football, inspiring young athletes across the nation to dream big and strive for excellence.

Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), Salim Mvurya (Youth Affairs and Sports), Hassan Joho (Mining & Blue Economy), and Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi (Sports) were in attendance.”

The PS, who is a statistician, is scaling new heights with his performance, and that is why he has not let down the President and the country in coordinating and ensuring safety during the games.

For Omollo, the success in hosting CHAN 2024 was a test for Kenya’s readiness to host AFCON 2027, and he stressed that fan cooperation and discipline were as important as stadium upgrades.

“Hosting CHAN is both a privilege and a national test. It is a national honour for Kenya and a responsibility on all of us. It is a proud moment for Kenya as a world-renowned sporting nation.

As we may all be aware, CAF has set strict standards we must continuously meet regarding such tournaments.
The Federation provides clear conditions on fan safety, security protocols, and crowd conduct. Any breaches – even outside the stadium – can result in consequences, including formal warnings, penalties, or disqualification from future bids. As such, our conduct as fans has serious national implications.

CAF and other stakeholders are closely observing not just the games, but the overall fan experience and security management. Therefore, our success in hosting the ongoing tournament must go beyond the readiness of our facilities and our on-field performance.

Our success depends on collective discipline. Security teams are working tirelessly. Let us support them by cooperating and observing the protocols and directives they give us. The whole world is watching; let’s represent ourselves well,” he said.

Despite a few hiccups and overwhelming demand from Kenya’s football-starved fans to gain entry to the stadium to support the national team, Harambee Stars, Omollo and his team have ensured the safety of fans.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all matches are hosted in a safe, secure and well-coordinated environment. We are committed to the safety of the players, fans, and dignitaries attending the matches,” he said.

The CHAN tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is reserved for players who compete in their national domestic leagues. Hosting the 2024 edition is a major milestone for Kenya, and authorities are keen on using the platform to showcase the country’s organisational capacity and hospitality.

The Harambee Stars have also not let Kenyans down, having made history by defeating Morocco and DRC and then drawing with Angola.

Joshua Nyamori, an advocate, said Omollo has showcased his competence in management and has delivered on his mandate.

“Winning the Premier League with Police Football Club was not a walk in the park, but a result of dedication and commitment by the patron to rewrite the story of the league.

Give it to him, he has coordinated the tournament so well, and we should give credit where it is due. He is serving the President in the best way, and we are proud of him. He is a good manager and we cannot wish away that fact,” he said.

Former Kibaki PS ordered to pay government Sh.150,000

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By OPCS Press team

A tribunal of the government institutions has surcharged a former Permanent Secretary in the former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration Sh.150,000 bonus he awarded himself illegally while in office.

A ruling by the State Corporations Appeal Tribunal last month found that former Permanent Secretary Eng. Carey Orege, who once served on the Board of the Coast Development Authority (CDA), was awarded Sh.150,000 bonus by the board in November 2012.

In 2020, a report by the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) flagged this and similar payments as irregular, citing the CDA’s underperformance at the time.

The Inspector-General of State Corporations (IGC), acting on the PIC report, issued a surcharge certificate to Eng. Orege in November 2024, demanding the return of the bonus.

The Inspector-General of State Corporations picked the recommendations and undertook investigations under the powers provided to it under section 18 of the State Corporations Act.

On 18th November 2024, the James Warui-led Inspector-General’s office issued a surcharge certificate against Eng. Orege under the Certificate of Surcharge No. SUR/CDA/002/2024.

Eng. Orege appealed the surcharge at the Tribunal on 13th December 2024.

He argued that the action violated his rights to fair administrative action, was retroactively punitive, and that he had no direct influence over the board’s decision to issue the bonus.

His legal submissions were formally lodged on 3rd April 2025. However, the Inspector-General’s office maintained that the appeal was time-barred, contending that it was filed two days past the 30-day legal deadline, which expired on 18th December 2024.

Furthermore, IGC argued that Eng. Orege’s rights were not infringed, and the surcharge was lawfully imposed under the State Corporations Act.

The Tribunal in its ruling noted that on 29th November 2012, the Board of CDA resolved to pay bonuses to staff and Board members, and as a consequence, the Board paid Eng. Orege Sh.150,000 in his capacity as the PS for the Ministry of Regional Services, a Board member.

In a ruling that underscores the importance of procedural timelines in legal proceedings, the Tribunal struck out an appeal filed by the former Permanent Secretary over a surcharge certificate issued by the IGC.

The Tribunal narrowed its focus to the central issue of timeliness, ruling that the appeal was filed out of time and, crucially, that no request for extension had been made.

Consequently, the Tribunal dismissed the appeal on procedural grounds, without delving into the substantive questions of fairness or the justification for the surcharge.

“This appeal was fatally defective,” the Tribunal declared, reinforcing the necessity of adhering strictly to legal timelines in administrative proceedings.

The Tribunal ordered that each party bear its costs.

ENDING THE DECADES OF LIMURU CONFERENCE GHOST, RAILA AND PS OMOLLO LEAD THE WAY

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By Anderson Ojwang
 
The Luo community could be walking into an interesting time in the future where age-old rivalries and mistrust have been buried, and a rebirth of the community’s unity is in place.
 
The negative tags labelled against opponents viewed to read from different political scripts have now been buried, and the ones previously seen as ‘enemies’ can share the table and chart the destiny of the community together.
 
The ghost of the 1966 Limuru Conference that split the Luo community into two political blocs, pitting the then Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga against then KANU Secretary Tom Joseph Mboya, has finally been laid to rest.
 
In Odinga’s camp were Dennis Akumu, Achieng Oneko, Bildad Kaggia, Munyua Waiyaki, among others.
 
Odinga had political control of mainly Central Nyanza, which included the present Kisumu and Siaya counties.
 
Mboya drew his support base from Southern Nyanza, mainly Homa Bay and Migori counties, where he checkmated Odinga’s influence.
 
In Mboya’s camp was Karachuonyo MP Omolo Agar, who was very instrumental at the Limuru Conference in charting a new political dispensation for the party.
 
Elija Omollo Agar was born in 1929 in Karachuonyo, Southern Nyanza. An Indian-trained economist, he was Kenyatta’s point man in the South Nyanza region. He was the first MP to represent Karachuonyo Constituency.
 
Both leaders introduced education airlifts, with Mboya offering scholarships to the USA. Among the beneficiaries were Barack Hussein Obama Snr, the father of former USA President Barack Obama, Nobel Prize award winner the late Prof Wangari Maathai, among others.
 
Odinga offered scholarships to the East, mainly Russia, which enabled several Kenyans to pursue their education.
 
The rivalry between Mboya and Odinga split the community into two blocs and contributed to the marginalisation of the community after the assassination of Mboya in July 1969.
 
After Mboya’s death, Odinga assumed full control of Luo leadership to date, but most of Mboya’s allies were never integrated into his fold and were often treated with suspicion.
 
During the conference, Odinga and his team – Bildad Kaggia, Munyua Waiyaki, Dennis Akumu – considered the party’s left wing/radicals at the time, called for a break in the conference due to the ambush by Mboya with a different election agenda to discuss changes to the KANU constitution.
 
Mboya and Agar proposed the creation of eight Vice Presidents, one per province. According to their plan, Omollo Agar was to support Lawrence Sagini from Kisii to become the KANU Vice President for Nyanza, edging Jaramogi out.
 
As soon as Odinga and his team left to consult, Mboya rallied his troops and, with a pre-planned list, slotted Vice Presidents in each province.
 
After the conference, Agar was involved in a road accident that confined him to a wheelchair.
 
The last time Omollo Agar was seen in public was when he was wheeled to Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu to mourn Argwings Kodhek, who had died in a suspicious car accident in Nairobi in 1968.
 
Internal Security and Administration Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo is the great-grandson of Omollo Agar, while the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, through his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has remained the main determinant of the community’s politics.
 
The soft-spoken Omollo, despite having been appointed by President William Ruto into his administration, has never antagonised Raila and has become one of the key pillars in the broad-based government.
 
Omollo is currently acceptable in the Odinga family and the wider ODM spectrum, where leaders and party supporters easily identify with him and his projects.
 
During the burial of Mama Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo, Raila called for the honouring of the heroes, and among them were Omolo Agar, Ojijo Oteko, Paul Mboya, Gogo Ochok, among others.
 
Omollo enjoys a cordial relationship with the Odingas, including Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, who views his approach as accommodative and not antagonistic.
 
MPs from Nyanza led by Sam Atandi, Opondo Kaluma, Jared Okello, Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o, among others, have been supportive of Omollo and defended him from critics.
 
Atandi recently said, “The government is only bad if you are not part of it. If you are outside, you don’t have anybody who is representing your interest in that government, that government does not talk to you, that government is bad. But the moment you have your people inside – the way John Mbadi, Raymond Omollo, my brother Opiyo Wandayi – the government cannot be bad, the government now is good.”
 
Atandi said they would rally behind the now former ODM members who joined the government so that they can deliver their mandate.
 
“The way Baba said he has sent experts into the executive, we want to give you the support so that you can show the expertise you can produce. I trust the leadership of Raila Odinga and his wisdom for allowing our two brothers, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, to join Cabinet. We are going to rally behind them,” he said.
 
Another MP noted that it will now be easier to rectify any mistakes and have the President address their issues.
 
“If one of us is in government, when there is a mistake, we just call him to tell the President to rectify,” he said.
 
Jalang’o wrote on his Facebook page,
 
“Salute to a True Public Servant – PS Raymond Omollo
Just had the pleasure of catching a moment with PS Raymond Omollo—a leader whose impact speaks louder than any title.
From strengthening national security to empowering communities, his commitment to service is unmatched. What stands out most is his humility, clarity of purpose, and unwavering dedication to making Kenya safer and stronger.
This selfie may be simple, but the respect I have for his work runs deep. Thank you, PS Omollo, for leading with integrity and vision.”
 

CELESTIN NSANZUWERA WINS THE SUNDEV EAST AFRICA SWING JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC IN DIANI

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By PHILLIP ORWA
 
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera is the winner of the Fourth Leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing dubbed the SunDev East Africa Swing Johnnie Walker Classic held at Diamonds Leisure Golf Club in Diani.
 
Nsanzuwera, coming into the final round in second place on the leaderboard with a total of 1-under-par 143, capitalised on Dismas Indiza’s missteps to secure the championship.
 
The Rwandese produced a stunning comeback to post a score of 5-under-par in the final round, playing a flawless front nine, picking up birdies on the 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 9th holes.
 
On the back nine, he started shakily with a bogey on the 10th after his second shot ricocheted off a tree near the green. He recovered with a birdie on the 12th but dropped shots on the 14th and 17th holes, briefly relinquishing his lead to Indiza. However, he held his nerve and finished with a birdie on the 18th to reclaim the lead and seal victory.
 
“I feel excited. This win came from nowhere, but I gave it my all and stuck to my game plan. From holes 16 to 18, I knew Indiza was playing well, but I kept my focus. I made a mistake on 17 with my putting, but I stayed calm and capitalised on his error at the last hole. I’ve been close since the tour started, so I’m happy to finally win. It’s even more special as I head to the next event in Kigali, my home, full of confidence and hoping to win again there,” said Celestin.
 
For the win, Celestin pocketed Sh400,000 and 210 Order of World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for his victory.
 
Kakamega pro, Indiza, who began the day with a solid 5-under-par total, had a blustery front nine with bogeys on the 3rd and 7th holes, offset by birdies on the 4th and 9th.
 
His trouble began on the 10th, where his tee shot veered off the fairway. In attempting to recover, he struck the same tree that had caught Celestin earlier, resulting in a costly double bogey. He bounced back with a birdie on the 11th but dropped another shot on the 13th.
 
A late rally with birdies on the 15th and 17th put him back ahead briefly, but a disastrous triple bogey on the 18th, after finding the bush, then the bunker, ended his title hopes.
 
Indiza said, “I came into the event with a strong lead but Celestin pushed me hard from the start. The 10th hole really cost me after my tee shot went into the bush. I fought back and even took the lead on 17, but the last hole undid everything. I tried to recover, but the bunker sealed my fate.”
 
The Kakamega Sports Club pro, who had failed to make the cut at the Nyali event, took home Sh214,000 and 172.5 points for his efforts.
 
Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo finished third after a 2-under-par final round, ending with an even-par total of 216. His round included birdies on the 2nd, 4th, 13th, 14th, and 18th, offset by bogeys on the 7th and a double bogey on the 9th, and earned Sh144,700 and 116.7 OWGR points.
 
Nyali leg champion Njoroge Kibugu came back in fourth place after carding a 2-under-par 70 in the final round for a tournament total of 2-over-par 218. His round featured birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 13th, and 16th, with bogeys on the 10th, 11th, and 12th.
 
The Diani event attracted 61 top professional and elite amateur golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi.
 
Following the Diani event, the tour takes a brief break and resumes next month with the fifth leg at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas in Rwanda from 3rd to 5th September.
 
The golfers will not only be vying for a stake of the prize fund but also for Sunshine Development Tour points, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, which will be on offer. These not only boost players’ global standings but also open doors to major regional and international tournaments – including potential qualification for the Olympic Games.
 
The Diani event was sponsored by EABL through the Johnnie Walker brand, Magical Kenya and Pure Travels, who sponsored the hole-in-one prize.

ODM guillotine: Are the fattened aspirants ready for the butcher knife at the party’s primaries ahead of the by-elections?

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By Anderson Ojwang

The November by-elections recently announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) present the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with another moment to guillotine the fattened aspirants for the parliamentary seats during the party’s primaries.

For over two decades, and in successive general elections and by-elections, various aspirants for the parliamentary, gubernatorial, senatorial, and county assembly seats have been butchered at the altar of party’s nominations.

Several bright, budding political careers have been brought to nought, while career civil servants, professionals, and business persons with a dream of offering leadership in politics have stayed away, fearing the butcher’s knife and its consequences.

ODM nominations have been a theatre of political deception, manipulation, and hoodwinking of the aspirants of a ‘free and fair’ nomination, only to end up guillotined after spending tens of millions on the campaigns.

In the last general elections, the party took the aspirants for a ride by promising a free and fair nomination, invited them to pay nomination fees, only to end up with boardroom decisions where the majority of MPs were given direct tickets, while gubernatorial and senatorial candidates were not subjected to nominations.

The injustices by the party over nominations have finally caught up with it and were aptly captured by the Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, during a recent TV interview when he said that the excitement about ODM party ticket was on a downward spiral.

‘With the expected by-elections in the country, most aspirants are shying away from using the ODM ticket as they fear destroying their political careers. They have instead opted for other parties or to contest as independent candidates,’ he said.

Already, signs of the party’s old habits resurfacing in the by-elections in Kasipul and Ugunja constituencies have emerged, with the party National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, expressing her support for the son of slain Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were, Mr Boyd Were.

In Ugunja Constituency, Energy Cabinet Secretary and a former Chairperson of ODM Political Affairs, Mr Opiyo Wandayi, is favouring the election of his CDF Manager, Moses Omondi.

In Kasipul Constituency, Wanga has directed employees at the county to support and campaign for Boyd, and this explains why the Chief Officer for Governance, Mr Isaack Ongiri, was, at the weekend, holding a series of meetings to drum up support for the aspirant.

Equally, Mr Joash Aloo, a CEC at the county who had expressed interest in the seat and had embarked on engaging with the electorate, has stopped his political activities after he was prevailed upon by the Governor.

Attempts by the Governor to prevail over her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, to support Boyd failed to yield fruit after the latter declined and called for a free and fair nomination to allow the electorate to elect a leader of their choice.

Already, 17 aspirants have shown interest in the vacant seat, and they include Samwel Owida, Philip Aroko, Victor Mbaka, Boyd Were, Rateng Otiende, Tom Sipul, Ajoh Mbuta, Ken Okoth Jam, Joash Aloo, Swaleh Omondi, Okindo Majiwa, Colins Otieno, Mary Askon, Newton Ogada, Edward Oloo Otula, Allan Odera, and Robert Money Mabior.

A recent night meeting between Wanga and Magwanga over a possible candidate to succeed Were ended in a stalemate.

Wanga and her team tried to prevail over 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, that Wanga asked Magwanga to support Boyd, and in return, she would support his candidature for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Homa Bay County Chairperson 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 and would, in return, get the county ODM Chair seat.

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

Recently, a section of MPs from Nyanza led by Wanga, trying to have Boyd get direct nomination, hit a snag and split the party.

But the defiant Wanga and other leaders recently presented Mr Boyd 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 late Were’s son was the best-suited family member to replace his father as Kasipul Member of Parliament.

In Ugunja, several aspirants have expressed interest in the seat and hope to go through ODM nominations, while others will seek to contest on different parties.

Those who have already expressed interest in the seat include Chris Budo, Dr Orodi Odhiambo, Benson Obol, Joseph Otieno Aluru, Moses Omondi, Eng Fred Z.B. Owino, Fredrick Ochiel, Fredrick O. Dor, Wycliff Wendo, Fredrick Otieno, Sam Okoyo, and M.J. Okumu.

In Ugunja, Siaya Governor James Orengo is also said to favour one of the aspirants, and the electorate are likely to finally witness the long-simmering Orengo-Wandayi supremacy battle.

For those gunning for the ODM ticket, the clock may be ticking so fast and they could have no other choice but to go through the butcher’s knife.

Will the Raila Odinga finally live to the ideals of democracy to allow the electorate to elect a leader of their choice or will it be another charade and wild goose chase in the pursuit of the illusive party ticket?

When Love Crosses the Fence: The Clan Goat Scandal

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Edris Omondi (Advocate)

Former County Attorney Kisumu.

cpitkenya@gmail.com

In the quiet peaceful village of Kobita Ngere, a drama unlike any other recently unfolded, a he-goat stands accused of trespassing and conducting an unsolicited romantic encounter with a neighbor’s prized she-goat. What followed was a police summons, a demand for KSh 5,000 in compensation, and a threat that the “romantically guilty” goat could be jailed if the fine wasn’t paid.

The Drama Unfolds

A retired civil servant alleged that his neighbor’s male goat entered his compound without permission and “raped” his female goat. The police, unsure whether to laugh or act, requested compensation, KSh 5,000 to settle the matter. When the accused goat’s owner hesitated, the complainant threatened to have the goat “jailed” pending payment, sparking laughter and disbelief across the village.

While the incident might sound like a scene from a rural comedy skit, it raises important questions about the legal handling of livestock disputes in Kenya, and the limits of both police authority and animal liability.

What Does the Law Say?

In Kenya, criminal liability applies to humans, not animals. The Penal Code (Cap 63) has no provisions for prosecuting goats for their “romantic misadventures.”

However, the Trespass Act (Cap 294) and Animals Act (Cap 364) regulate animal trespass and damage to property. Compensation can be sought from an animal’s owner if the livestock causes damage, but acts like “goat romance” don’t fit legal definitions of damage.

As for the police demanding money on the spot, the National Police Service Act is clear, police are not courts, and out-of-station settlements involving money should be voluntary, not coerced. Coercion could amount to extortion under Section 300 of the Penal Code.

Comparison with other Jurisdictions:

  • United Kingdom: Livestock owners can be liable for damages caused by animals under the Animals Act 1971, but “goat love” isn’t on the docket.
  • United States: Animal trespass laws exist but focus on property damage or injury, not animal affairs of the heart.
  • India: Similar disputes go to village panchayats, often resolved with symbolic fines or exchanges of livestock.

A Teachable Moment:

Beyond the chuckles, this story underscores a serious point, many rural Kenyans remain unaware of their legal rights and obligations, which can make them vulnerable to both unneighborly disputes and overreach by law enforcement.

In the end perhaps the lesson is that while love may be blind, the law is not, and it certainly has no provisions for prosecuting goats for affairs of the heart.

Final Word

As the villagers of Kobita Ngere await a resolution, the case serves as a humorous reminder: goats follow their instincts, but human justice has clear boundaries. For now, the “romantically accused” goat remains at large, chewing cud, unaware it’s become a local celebrity.

Kiprop and Chepkurui win uasin Gishu half marathon

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By Phillip Orwa

The 2019 All Africa Games 5000m winner, Robert Kiprop, and Gladys Chepkurui are the 2025 Uasin Gishu Half Marathon champions.

Kiprop won the men’s Half Marathon race staged in Uasin Gishu, Eldoret, after clocking an impressive 1:00:00.06, finishing ahead of Peter Tuitoek and Titus Kiprotich, who timed 1:00:58 and 1:01:05 respectively.

Speaking after the race, Kiprop said: “I was in good shape, and I am happy to have won the race today. I decided to go all the way with 2 KM left after sticking with the leading pack for the better part of the race. It is good that we are having more of such races to help us stay in top form.”

On her part, Chepkurui timed 1:08:56 to cut the tape first as Vivian Cherotich and Christine Ndambi finished second and third after clocking 1:10:02 and 1:10:27 respectively.

Chepkurui said: “I am happy to have won, although my body was not in its best form. In the previous editions, I have always been going all out at the start but fading towards the end, but today, I just decided to stick with the leading group, then kicked hard towards the end.”

It was an improved performance by both Kiprop and Chepkurui from last year’s edition of the race, where they finished 10th and third respectively. Joshua Kithuku, who won the men’s race last year, settled for fifth place.

They both bagged Sh300,000 each, while the first runners-up received Sh200,000 for their efforts. Third-place finishers went home Sh100,000 richer, while fourth, fifth, and sixth-place finishers got Sh50,000, Sh40,000, and Sh30,000 in that order. Also, participants who finished seventh through to tenth in both categories were awarded Sh20,000 each.

In the Masters category, one for athletes aged 50 years and above for both men and women, Francis Bowen and Joyce Kirui emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s race respectively, to receive Sh30,000 each.

Speaking after the race, Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said: “Congratulations to both Robert and Gladys for winning the race, and to every athlete who came out to compete. Today’s turnout was good, and we look forward to seeing these athletes at the BingwaFest Season 2 opener in Nakuru next weekend. At Betika, our commitment to athletics remains strong as ever to ensure we play a part in growing the sport.”

This was the third edition of the Betika Uasin Gishu Marathon.

Goals and Gains: The Political and Economic Stakes of Kenya’s Football Revival

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By Clifford Derrick – South Africa

President William Ruto’s relationship with football began like many of his political promises: met with doubt. When he announced plans to construct a modern, multipurpose stadium capable of hosting international competitions, many dismissed it as political theatre. Today, that stadium stands complete, meeting standards comparable to some of the best in Europe or the Gulf. In a country where football has long been neglected, this represents a rare and meaningful reversal.

The change is most visible at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, the main venue for the African Nations Championship. Renovations include a larger roof, modern floodlighting, upgraded seating, improved athlete facilities, and enhancements to the indoor arena, aquatic complex, and stadium hotel. Nyayo National Stadium has also been refurbished to international standards with improved lighting, security, media infrastructure, and player amenities. Work on Talanta Sports Stadium and Kipchoge Keino Stadium supports Kenya’s preparations for hosting CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027.

These infrastructure projects have gone beyond bricks and mortar. They have created employment for thousands of young Kenyans, particularly from the Gen-Z generation. From construction and logistics to catering and digital content production, the upgrades have injected income into households and built skills that will underpin future economic growth. Some benefits are immediate; others will manifest over time as these young people advance in their careers. None of this would be possible in a state of political unrest.

On the pitch, the Harambee Stars have capped their resurgence with one of the most significant results in their history. In their latest match at the African Nations Championship, Kenya defeated a powerful Moroccan side 1–0 despite playing much of the game with ten men after an early red card. Morocco, the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final and two-time CHAN champions, had never before lost to Kenya. This victory is a landmark moment.

It followed a spirited 1–1 draw with Angola, again achieved with ten players against eleven, and an opening 1–0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together, these performances have underlined the team’s resilience and composure under pressure, qualities strengthened by improved facilities, financial incentives, and the stability of the political environment.

Ruto’s decision to reward the Harambee Stars with one million shillings for every win and half a million for a draw has transformed the financial realities of the players. In just three matches, each player has earned 2.5 million shillings, an amount that might otherwise take five years to earn in the local league. Players who once faced the temptation of match-fixing no longer have reason to compromise their integrity.

Yet sudden wealth can be as dangerous as poverty if it is not managed well. Without financial literacy, sound investment and professional guidance, it can disappear quickly, as has happened to many athletes around the world. For this new chapter in Kenyan football to endure, players will need access to financial planning programmes, mentorship from retired professionals, and pathways to invest in projects that benefit both themselves and their communities. Such systems are standard in European football and would be valuable if applied in Kenya.

This moment has been made possible by a political alignment few could have predicted. Raila Odinga, a statesman with deep roots in the Luo community but whose influence extends far beyond it, chose to work with Ruto to stabilise the country after a period of tension. The results have been felt in everyday life. Abductions, forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings that once haunted political life have stopped. Kenyans now go to stadiums to watch football without fear. The atmosphere of peace has allowed sport to flourish and given the country space to invest in long-term projects.

The cooperation has also produced a broader justice agenda. Ruto and Raila have formed a task force to oversee the compensation of victims of political violence and police brutality from 2017. For families long denied recognition or restitution, this is a step towards closure. Raila has faced criticism for pursuing this path, yet his reasoning is strategic. At the funeral of Dr Phoebe Asiyo, he used a Luo proverb: the protest of a frog does not prevent a cow from drinking at the river. It was a reminder that the noise of detractors will not stop a leader from doing what is right.

Football has long been central to the culture of Western Kenya, especially among the Luo and Luhya communities, both of which have often been excluded from the political and economic mainstream. Ruto, a Kalenjin, has used football investment to connect with communities beyond his traditional base. This is a form of politics that produces tangible results and appeals to the younger generation. Many Gen-Z Kenyans, often sceptical of political rhetoric, are watching their peers and local heroes become millionaires on the pitch, proving that national service and personal ambition can align.

The appointment of South African legend Benni McCarthy amplified this sense of renewal beyond Kenya’s borders. McCarthy, a Champions League winner and former Manchester United forwards coach, has drawn South African interest not only because of his stature but because Kenya’s story echoes South Africa’s own legacy of using sport for unity. His recent victories with Kenya will resonate strongly back home, not least because they came against Morocco, a continental powerhouse.

This evokes Nelson Mandela’s legacy, where sport was used to heal and reimagine national identity. Raila now plays a comparable role in Kenya—steering reconciliation and rebuilding through symbolic and substantive measures.

For a country often defined internationally by its runners or its political divisions, this is a new narrative. It is about infrastructure that can host global events, incentives that make professionalism possible, and a political alliance centred on national interests. Frantz Fanon argued that national culture is created not by looking backwards but by forging new realities anchored in self-agency. Kenya’s football revival is one such reality unfolding in real time.

Placing money, infrastructure, and political capital into football, Ruto has taken a step that could redefine his legacy. If these structures are made strong enough, they could transform Kenya’s standing in African sport. And if the partnership with Raila continues to deliver stability, justice, and inclusion, it may do more than win matches. It could reshape the country’s understanding of leadership itself.

Kenya’s football revival is part of a wider national renewal, where stadiums host more than matches, young people build their future, and leadership is measured in lasting change.

Perennial Commissioners, Time is Up!

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By Billy Mijungu

In Kenya’s governance architecture, independent commissions were designed as safeguards for democracy, accountability, and service delivery.

The law is clear: a commissioner’s tenure in any such body is capped at six years. Six years, and not a day more, was the intended service period before the mantle passes to another Kenyan. This provision was crafted to prevent stagnation, entrenchment, and the monopolization of public office by a small, recycled elite.

Yet, a troubling pattern has emerged. Some commissioners, upon completing their six year term, simply transition to another commission. Others have clocked an astonishing three or even four tenures across different commissions, some even rising repeatedly to chairmanship positions.

In a country with over 50 million people, this recycling of a handful of familiar faces into plum constitutional offices is both baffling and unjustifiable.

The question is simple: why?
Is Kenya so short on talent that the same handful of individuals must hop from one commission to another as if it were musical chairs? The Constitution envisioned commissions as places where fresh perspectives and diverse expertise would continually renew the system.

It did not intend for them to become closed clubs for the well connected. The practice undermines not only the letter of the law but also its spirit, eroding public trust in these institutions.
Consider the public resources at play.

Commissioners exit their six year tenure with handsome gratuities, pensions, and other benefits, all paid by taxpayers. These payouts were designed to facilitate a dignified exit, not to serve as a pit stop before walking into another equally well paying public role.

When one person benefits from multiple commissions over decades, it transforms public service into a career of perpetual privilege, funded at the expense of millions who will never get the chance to serve.
Moreover, this revolving door breeds complacency and political capture.

A commissioner who knows they can angle for a posting in another body is less likely to challenge political masters or vested interests. They may tread lightly, avoid controversy, and preserve relationships that will ease their next appointment. Such dynamics threaten the very independence these commissions are meant to protect.

It is time for Parliament to step in and close this loophole once and for all. The solution is straightforward: if you serve as a commissioner, whether for one term or the full six years, you should never again be eligible to serve in any other commission for the rest of your life.

This is not punitive; it is principled. It enforces the ideal of rotation, creates room for new voices, and ensures that public offices circulate among the broad pool of Kenyan talent.

Kenya’s universities produce thousands of capable graduates every year. Our private sector teems with competent, ethical leaders. Our civil society is rich with passionate advocates for justice and accountability. To suggest that only a small cadre of familiar faces can be trusted with commission roles is an insult to the nation’s collective capacity.

Perpetual commissioners are a symptom of a deeper governance malaise: the inability or unwillingness to let go of power. Breaking this cycle will require political courage, but the dividends will be immense: revitalized commissions, renewed public confidence, and a governance system that reflects Kenya’s diversity and depth of talent.

The era of perennial commissioners must end. Parliament must legislate a one and done rule, and Kenyans must demand it. Six years is more than enough time to make a difference in one commission. After that, step aside and let another Kenyan take the wheel.

Opposition in slumber as President Ruto digs in with re-election package

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By Anderson  Ojwang

The Kenya’s opposition could be enjoying a sweet slumber as President William Ruto digs in with his re-election agenda for the 2027 presidential contest.

Ruto has rolled out  an elaborate re-election packages targeting various  vote blocks and constituencies while the opposition is yet to get its vehicle roaring.

The united opposition that comprises of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nark-Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and former cabinet minister Fred Matiangi are yet to present significant campaign agenda to the electorates apart from the wantam mantra.

If anything, the opposition is giving Ruto a field day with only  24 months to the elections and the president is reaping heavily from the indecisiveness , confusion and lack of focus and agenda to entrench himself in the electorates.

Ruto has often  taunted the opposition to be lacking agenda to present to the electorates and that they  may find it hard to defeat him at the ballot.

    The broad based government and its impact

The departure of the opposition cog, ODM leader Raila Odinga to form a broad based government deflated and removed the momentum from the opposition despite the wave of Genz that had threatened to cut short president Ruto tenure.

In Ruto’s dream campaign trolley is the broad based government where he has been able to bring on board Raila and through this has steadied his once sinking boat sail deep into the water and dock without any serious storm.

Raila recently said  “We sacrificed so that there could be peace in this country. And that is the reason we are here today. I don’t regret what we did. We did it in the best interest of our country and Kenya must move forward.

We have sat together and reviewed the memorandum of understanding  (MOU) we signed this year and now we have put together a framework to ensure the MOU is implemented to the letter.

I want to say to the naysayers give us space and room. Judge us in 2027. And we have said this is going to remain in place up to 2027 and after that we see where we go to.”

Ruto said through the broad based government they have been able to bring together all communities, regions  in an inclusive manner into  one administration that does not look and seek to preserve any leader but to preserve the stability of Kenya, ‘because of the coming together , under broad based government , because  of Raila Odinga working with me to put together this  broad based government, Kenya has a date with destiny.

The opposition Wantam mantra

The opposition has been riding on the mantra and hype of wantam that has become popular in most of country’s social and political gatherings in hope to win the next presidential election.

Gachagua recently said  “We are part of this team and will walk this journey together to liberate this country. We will make whatever sacrifices necessary to make sure William Ruto is a one-term president.

“The government he leads is a one-man show; he wants his way and all those ministers you see there are flower girls. I was the only one who could stand up to him and say, hey boss, this can’t work. It is a praise-and-worship choir and I could not fit in it.”

But Ruto has said he will not be deterred by “incompetent, clueless and corrupt” people attempting to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines.

Raila also joined the fray saying “ You are saying wantam (one term). So what? It is the Kenyans who will decide the terms and we will see where we want to go. I am confident when that time comes  we will face Kenyans squarely and tell Kenyans  why we did what we had to do and where we want to go”.

The affirmative action plan

President Ruto has devised a strategy that target Raila’s strong holds in the country that were previously ignored through in terms of development through affirmative action.

For instance, last week while in Nyanza, he announced that for Nyanza to be at par with other regions that have benefitted from the government support, he declared an affirmative action for the region on development and economic growth.

While in Homa Bay today, leaders here have asked that we focus on the development  of the nation and we focus on the development of this county.

Let me commit that we have provided in this year’s budget enhanced  resources for the development of thus county. I am aware that this county and this region  requires affirmative action.

Because for a very long time  this  region has not benefited from the resources  and development of our country as other regions have.

Previously while in tour of the coast region he had also declared affirmative action for the region.

Establishment of a framework to compensate victims of demos

President Ruto last week  announced  the formation of a new government framework to compensate civilians and security personnel who suffered injuries or lost their lives during demonstrations and public protests in Kenya since 2017.

In a presidential proclamation issued on Friday, Ruto said the initiative aims to balance constitutional freedoms with civic responsibility, while addressing the human and economic costs of political unrest.

Raila in response welcomed the formation of the framework saying “We have sat together and reviewed the memorandum of understanding  (MOU) we signed this year and now we have put together a framework to ensure the MOU is implemented to the letter.

This is going to happen, those who have been maimed, injured and died will be compensated from 2017 to date.”

This is another fertile platform by Ruto and Raila that is likely to endear them to the electorates.

Formation of Youth empowerment program to contain Genz surge

Stung by the power, creativity, resolve and commitment by the Genz, Ruto went back to the drawing board on how best to onboard the new determiners in the country’s politics. The new voice of the opposition and reasoning in the country.

The strategy was the formation of youth empowerment to address  exploding unemployment  in the country.

That is why thousands of enthusiastic young men and women from Nairobi County braved the early morning chilly weather to attend an empowerment program hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday. 

Drawn from 1,115 groups from Nairobi County’s 17 constituencies, they received various types of equipment from the President to start or boost their income-generating activities. 

Each group received equipment according to the request they had made. For example, 380 groups benefitted from 380 tents and 38,000 chairs, with each getting a tent and 100 chairs.

The football mantra

President using the ongoing CHAN tournament to reach out to the hearts of the football fanatics by rehabilitating the two international stadiums, Kasarani and Nyayo.

The support to the national team, Harambee stars and the price awards by the president is resonating well with the players and the supporters. His presence in the stadium, to stand with the national team, that is making history is a plus to Ruto in his re-election strategy.

The opposition have also come out to support the national team verbally with no significant material contribution to the players.

Opposition slumber and reliance on Gachagua

The opposition is yet to wake up and may be caught napping as time is running out to roll out their campaign agenda.

The absence of Gachagua, who ha been in the tour of USA for the last one month has created a lull and no activities in the opposition.

The rallies have come to a screeching halt, Kalonzo and Matangi have been missing from the action. This has left room to Ruto to roam and galvanize his vote block. The precedent setting is making to the opposition to be a one man guitar agenda, without Gachagua, the opposition seems dead.

The question will the opposition seize the opportunity to make Ruto wantam president or will Ruto have the final last over his impeached deputy?

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