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The Two Ballads of Ogodo Wene

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~ Kitche Magak

We buried my mother, Ogodo Wene, this afternoon,
She was murdered two weeks ago.
Some say Ogodo rode the storm with steel for veins,
A sovereign forged in wailing fire
Her voice, a blade, her eyes, a crownless throne,
That she walked through whispers, ruthlessly efficient.
Others say Wene weeped where no one else could see,
A butterfly fluttering under the weight of mindless expectations.
She held the dusk within her silken hands,
A stoic matriarch painting sorrow into possibilities.
Some insist that Ogodo shattered lives with a smile,
The tyrant’s ink writing her every step
Each syllable a groan, each groan, a harrowing tale
A true queen of ash in armor.
Others insist that Wene kissed the thief and the leper,
Breathed light into their hunger and their grief.
The bread she broke never named charity,
Yet every outcast felt the heavens heave with joy.
Some maintain that Ogodo’s laughter killed a thousand dreams,
That poets bled her name in crooked stanzas.
Her court, blood and roses, law and dusk
An enigma that ruled in savage silence.
Others maintain that Wene sang the wounded back to health,
And dared to dance with dearth, famine and plague.
Her lullabies wore scars, not soft cradle laces and wools
Peace grew tall beneath her battleface.
Some aver that Ogodo knelt before no earthly flame,
Carved in stone countless victims, even kith and kin
Her justice, swift thunder-wrapped in fire and brimstone,
A tale infinitely cold and ruthless.
Others aver that Wene housed the stars behind her gaze,
And scorched the moon with envious praise,
An amazon whose leash was made of sprite,
That led the lost through numerous treacherous dark nights.
Some profess that Ogodo’s name meant murderous ruin,
A siren’s dirge, a storm without a face,
A glowing banner scorching hope and fueling fury

In primitive ferocity of hell’s first hymn.

Others profess that Wene danced on marble of bones
Compelled power to kneel in total surrender.
Drank the lies, then spat them into order,
A goddess grafted onto mortal flaw.
Some conclude Ogodo’s hands were the teeth of a rabid dog
That crashed dreams into endless lament songs,
Reigned in rhyme and wrath and flame,
Her throne a windowless blood-soaked dungeon.
Others conclude that Wene’s legend,
Was stitched with contradiction’s thread
Built high enough to see the tears of a frowning world,
A paradox that baffles history.
Me …
I am still in a monologue with the deadening pain
Of a tragic loose of a doting mother.

Over 60 Regional Golf Stars Set for the SunDev East Africa Johnnie Walker Classic at Diamond Leisure Golf Resort Diani

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BY PHILLIP ORWA

The coastline city of Mombasa will play host to the East Africa Sunshine Development Tour this weekend at the scenic Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort.

This will be the fourth leg of the event that will see Diamond Leisure welcoming 61 professional and elite amateur golfers from various African countries set to battle it out for Sh2 million in prize money and crucial Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

This Diani edition, officially the SunDev East Africa Johnnie Walker Classic, following sponsorship by East African Breweries PLC (EABL) through its premium brand, Johnnie Walker, tees off on Saturday, 9th August and runs until Monday, 11th August 2025, just days after the thrilling Nyali Golf & Country Club leg that saw Windsor Golf & Country Club’s Njoroge Kibugu clinch his second Sunshine Development Tour title of the year.

The Diamonds Leisure leg has attracted a stellar line-up from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Burundi. The Kenyan contingent features Nyali winner Njoroge Kibugu, who will be aiming to carry his momentum into Diani, Nyali Golf & Country Club’s own Daniel Nduva fresh from his tied-second finish, and seasoned campaigners Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Kenneth Bollo, and Tony Omuli. Vipingo’s Naom Wafula will also be seeking to continue his stellar performances since turning pro.

Rwanda will once again be led by Celestin Nsazuwera, who tied for second at Nyali after being in contention until the final hole. Sunday Olapade will carry Nigeria’s hopes, while Uganda’s challenge will be spearheaded by Ronald Rugumayo.

Tanzania arrives with a six-strong squad, including Nuru Mollel, Isaac Wanyeche, and Abdalla Dullah, while Ghana and Malawi each have a single representative in Erick Kwame and Paul Chidale respectively.

The women’s draw will again be headlined by Naom Wafula of Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort, who recently turned professional and made the cut at Nyali and will be looking to build on that momentum in Diani.

The par-72 Diamonds Leisure Golf Resort course is known for its coastal winds, tricky greens, and lush tropical fairways, making accuracy off the tee and careful course management essential.

Speaking ahead of the event, defending champion Njoroge Kibugu said: “Nyali was emotional for me, but I have quickly shifted my focus to Diani. It’s a completely different course and set-up, and I know I’ll need to adapt quickly. The goal remains to stay consistent and put myself in contention for Monday.”

Nyali runner-up Daniel Nduva is optimistic about going one better: “Playing at home last week was special, but I came just short. I’m feeling confident about my game heading into Diamonds Leisure, the course suits my style and I’m ready to fight for the win.”

Rwanda’s Celestin Nsazuwera, who has been in superb form since his Q-School win in April, added: “I’ve been getting closer each tournament, and I believe I can go one step further this week. The focus will be on sticking to my game plan, especially on the final stretch.”

Adding extra excitement to this year’s Classic, a Hole-in-One prize will be on offer at hole 12, where a trip for two to the world-renowned Maasai Mara will be up for grabs courtesy of the tour partners, Pure Travel, offering the ultimate safari experience for the lucky golfer who manages the feat.

Raila: Kenyans will judge us, Lets meet at the ballot and We will move beyond 2027

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By Anderson Ojwang

In his characteristic manner, at the heart of his political bedrock in Karachuonyo of Homa Bay County, during the burial of a matriarch and confidant Mama Phoebe Asiyo, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga delivered a clarion call of unity and readiness to face the critics in 2027 elections.

The fiery Raila told critics that he doesn’t regret joining President William Ruto and the subsequent formation of the broad-based government as it was for the good of the country, to avoid it from sliding into a failed state.

He said the people will judge them when that time comes and expressed confidence that they will prevail and carry the Kenyans’ trust with them at that moment.

“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 must continue to improve our governance structure, and the issue of human rights must be respected.
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.
We have a structure to ensure that the MOU is implemented and that is why next week, we are going to have a joint parliamentary group meeting so that we can be able to implement what we have agreed on.
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.

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.
You will tell your agenda and we will tell Kenyans our agenda and we will see who the Kenyans will trust. I am not worried about those making noise. It is like a frog croaking that doesn’t scare the cows from drinking water. They will actually drink the water.
We will be able to move beyond 2027. I am confident we will move beyond 2027. Nobody should try to threaten us. We are Kenyans. Don’t go and say that Kenya is sectionalised. We are from the Coast, we are from the Lake, we are from the Mountain, we are from the Valley. This is unacceptable. We are Kenyans. Every Kenyan matters.
It is not about blood relationship, oh my cousins, what about those who are not your cousins? What are they? Are they not Kenyans?

Don’t tell us that the government has got shareholders and why are you collecting taxes from those who don’t have shares in the government?
You collect taxes from them and you say they don’t have shares because they did not vote for you. Shame on you. Kenya is a great country and can transition to first world.
Mr. President, Vision 2030 is not being followed well. As we now want to work with you, we want to ensure we bring Vision 2030 back on the table.
We also revive the National Economic and Social Council so that the flagship projects that were conceived can be revived and we ensure they are all moving together.” he said.

Speaking at the same function, Ruto said Raila has spoken as a patriot and a Kenyan committed to the progress and success of Kenya,

“I was almost tempted to say that I have nothing useful to add, he has said it all and well. Listening to you today, I am persuaded and agree to your commitment and conviction that Kenya is a great country.”

It is only that some do not understand the potential and the greatness of this nation. Because of your commitment to this country, today you have assisted me to put together the broad-based government.

“A government that brings 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 the broad-based government, because of Raila Odinga working with me to put together this broad-based government, Kenya has a date with destiny.
I want to commit to that as the head of the executive that the 10-point agenda will be committed to the letter.” he said.

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently introduced the politics of cousins that was aimed at uniting the communities related to Mt Kenya and has been targeting the Kambas, Kisii and the Luhya communities among others.

Raila’s declaration on the working relationship with Ruto puts to an end disquiet in his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, where a section of members had been critical of the union.

The party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had threatened to resign from the party should they declare support for President Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.

“This thing called broad-based government, I don’t know where it exists. Personally, I don’t recognise any entity called broad-based. There is a government of Kenya Kwanza under the leadership of President Ruto, and every CS serving in that government serves the Kenya Kwanza government,” he said.

Governor Mbarire: In Mama Phoebe Asiyo’s Footsteps I Fulfilled My Father’s Dream to Become a Woman Leader, a First of Its Kind

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By Anderson Ojwang

For Governor Cecily Mbarire, her journey to women in leadership started from a tender age and through a calculated mentorship by her father.

Her father, Joseph Njagi Mbarire, a long-serving councillor in the defunct Embu County Council until his election as MP for Embu North in 1974, was a great friend to Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo, with whom he served in Parliament.

In her father’s dream, Mbarire made history not only as Embu’s first female governor but also as the county’s first female Member of the National Assembly and the first woman party leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

On Wednesday at Maxwell Adventist Church, during the prayer service of her mentor, Mbarire said, “Mama Phoebe Asiyo is known to any woman who’s been in politics in Kenya. She is a very big person just in case you didn’t know.
She was the most humble and graceful woman leader I ever knew. She was soft-spoken and forceful.
She accepted us the way we were and she mentored all of us. Personally, I knew Mama Phoebe Asiyo when I was a little girl in primary school.

And the reason I knew her is because my late father was a Member of Parliament with her.
I do not know what my father saw in me then, but I believe he knew why he kept on telling me this. He kept on telling me, I want you to be like Phoebe Asiyo. Asiyo and Eddah Gachukia — those were the two women MPs that my father talked about during that time.

And he would make me read newspaper for him while standing to see if I can speak like a leader. He would tell me, when you are reading, don’t look down all the time. You must look at the people you are talking to.
And little did I know, he actually wanted me to be a woman leader. And so the first time I met Mama Phoebe, I told her that story and I told her, I want to be like you.”

“In 1997, I watched her live in Parliament when she moved the affirmative action motion. All women’s movements in the country — young and old — we were mobilised by Prof Wanjiku Kaberia and told, let’s go and watch this historic moment.
What Prof didn’t tell us was that then you could not enter Parliament as a woman — whether MP or visitor — while in long trousers.
So for me and the likes of Millie Odhiambo, now MP, we were quick to go there wearing our jeans, and the Sergeant-at-Arms stopped us at the entrance over our dress code.
We asked why and we were told, no wearing of trousers by women in Parliament.
Luckily, there were some women who had kikois and we used that to hide the trousers and went to the public gallery.
I will never forget, personally, how that moment was profound. I watched her moving that motion, talking with grace and powerfully, and I told myself up from the gallery, that one day, I am going to stand down there like Mama Phoebe Asiyo.”

“That was the amount of influence Mama Phoebe had on all of us. So when I joined politics and one day we were talking during the Narc time, and I was telling her how tough it was for me being in the field campaigning as a young woman and how you have to face some very rough men, who tell you some very harsh things…
In politics, the female politicians will tell you, the way men bring us down by focusing on the neck downwards — and rarely do they focus on the neck upwards.
I explained to Mama Phoebe some of the challenges I had faced and she told me a story. That story gave me the strength to fight.

She told me one time when she was on the campaign trail, and they had a joint big rally, and as she was speaking, a man in the crowd had a stick with a female paraphernalia and shouted from the back that she had left that at his house.
For Mama Phoebe, in her grace, instead of losing it — like I would have done by going for the man — she said, don’t worry, please keep it, I will pick it in the evening when I come back.
That was Mama Phoebe. She would rise above you. And that is the lesson for all of us — the female politicians. When they want to pull you down using your femininity, you show them how that doesn’t matter.
She made me become the governor of Embu County because I started as a beneficiary of affirmative action — nominated MP.”

Mbarire has had an extensive career in politics spanning over 20 years. She rose to the limelight having been a nominated MP in the years 2002–2007. In her political career, she represented Runyenjes Constituency from 2007 to 2013. Her advocacy for special interest groups culminated in her nomination to Parliament from 2017 to 2022.

In the 11th Parliament, she served as Vice Chairperson in the Public Accounts Committee. She held membership positions in various Parliamentary committees, such as the Committee on Energy, Communication and Information, the Committee on Transport, and Public Works and Housing. In the 12th Parliament, she served in the Committee on Energy, the Committee on Appointments and the Committee on Procedure and House Rules, and also served as the Chairperson of KEWOPA.

In her push for equality and vouching for women to take up leadership positions, she advocates for women to pursue competitive elective seats with male politicians, and not to seek “gender sympathy” in attaining positions.

On 23 May 2024, Mbarire was among the guests invited to the state dinner hosted by then US President Joe Biden in honour of President William Ruto at the White House.

KENYA AWARDED HOSTING RIGHTS FOR THE 3RD AFRICAN SCHOOL GAMES IN 2029.ANOCA CONFIRMS HISTORIC DECISION AS TEAM KENYA DELIVERS STRONG PERFORMANCE IN ALGERIA

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BY PHILLIP ORWA

Kenya will play host to the 3rd edition of the African School Games in 2029 following a resolution passed at the Extraordinary Executive Committee Meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) announced that Kenya had officially been granted the hosting rights in a formal communication addressed to NOC-K by ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, who confirmed the decision, citing Kenya’s demonstrated capacity, government backing, and commitment to youth development through sport.

“We are greatly honoured to communicate the historic decision to award the hosting rights of the 3rd African School Games in 2029 to the Republic of Kenya.
We are confident the event will uphold the values of the Games and even surpass the success of previous editions,” read the ANOCA letter.

Kenya’s bid to host the Games was officially submitted to ANOCA on 4th August 2025, and comes at a time when the country continues to position itself as a strategic destination for continental sporting events, development seminars, and leadership platforms.

Over the past two years, Kenya has hosted high-profile events including the ANOCA Secretary Generals and Treasurers Seminar, the Commonwealth Africa–Europe Regional Meeting, the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship, the WRC Safari Rally, and the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.

These events have affirmed Kenya’s capacity, political goodwill, and the growing demand to stage sport as a unifying force for Africa’s youth.

NOC-K President Shadrack Maluki, who attended the African School Games in Algeria alongside the Secretary General John Ogolla, welcomed the decision with pride and gratitude.

“This is a historic moment for Kenya. We are humbled by the trust ANOCA has placed in us. I want to sincerely thank President Mustapha Berraf and the Executive Committee for their vote of confidence.
The 2029 Games will be more than a sporting event — they will be a continental celebration of youth, diversity, and ambition. We are excited to welcome Africa to Nairobi,” said Maluki.

NOC-K Secretary General John Ogolla echoed the sentiment, noting the bid was both technical and symbolic.

“Our expression of interest was deeply rooted in our commitment to youth empowerment. Hosting the African School Games will allow us to merge education, sport, and culture — and we are ready to deliver on that promise,” Ogolla said.

As Kenya celebrates this hosting milestone, its young athletes also gave the nation reason to be proud at the 1st African School Games, held in Algeria. Kenya’s performance was marked by resilience and podium finishes across multiple disciplines.

The first group of athletes returned to Nairobi last night, with the remaining contingent expected tomorrow.

MEDAL TALLY – 1ST AFRICAN SCHOOL GAMES

Gold Medals (5):

  1. David Kabaiko – Boys’ 1500m (Athletics)
  2. Lorna Cherono – Girls’ 3000m (Athletics)
  3. Clare Chepngetich – Girls’ 2000m (Athletics)
  4. Koeach Manases Kiprotich – Boys’ 800m (Athletics)
  5. Kelvin Kipgeno – Triple Jump (Athletics)

Silver Medal (1):

  • Lukeman Shaffi Bakari – Boxing

Bronze Medals (5):

  1. Clinton Omari – Wrestling (Greco-Roman)
  2. Clinton Omari – Wrestling (Freestyle, 45kg)
  3. Vivian Adhiambo – Girls’ Wrestling (53kg)
  4. Mercy Eragae – Cycling (Time Trial)
  5. Mathenge Bramwel – 110m Hurdles (Athletics)

Total: 11 Medals

This strong performance reinforces the need to continue investing in grassroots sport and Olympic education, the very pillars the 2029 African School Games aim to champion.

This comes at a time the Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced fresh plans to further upgrade Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium to meet international standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He revealed that once CHAN concludes, work will commence on installing a canopy over the Nyayo National Stadium, an upgrade aimed at elevating the facility to international status.

“Immediately after CHAN, we will do a canopy on the Nyayo National Stadium so that we can now bring it to an international facility. The journey to upgrade the infrastructure is not ending with CHAN, we will continue,” said the CS.

Kenya is jointly co-hosting the prestigious continental football showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The Cabinet Secretary also announced that the upcoming Talanta Centre Stadium will be complete by the end of this year, making Kenya a central venue for staging top-notch events.

Matiang’i Rebrands UPA with “Safisha Kenya” Slogan as Party Targets 24 By-Elections

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By Western Insight

Fred Matiang’i is making a carefully calculated return to national politics. The former Interior Cabinet Secretary has rebranded his United Progressive Alliance party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a renewed push for political relevance, UPA has adopted a new national slogan, “Safisha Kenya”, which seeks to inspire a movement centred on ethics, public service and dignity in leadership.

Matiang’i’s team has rolled out the slogan during a closed-door meeting in Nairobi with regional party leaders, aspirants and former civil servants. The meeting focused on UPA’s strategy to field candidates in all upcoming by-elections and begin building the party’s national presence. “Safisha Kenya” translates to “Clean Up Kenya” and signals the party’s promise to run a reformist campaign with candidates free from scandal or political baggage. Matiang’i said the country is ready for a new style of politics based on discipline and results. He declared that UPA is not a vehicle for “noise makers” or “opportunists” but a political home for “reformers” and “patriots”.

Matiang’i has been quietly rebranding and organising the party with a new office on a one-acre property in Garden Estate along 27 Mukima Drive. The party is currently receiving and identifying candidates from across the country. The former Cabinet Secretary unveiled the party’s rebrand strategy with a quiet, invisible yet well-connected team of individuals who have been working discreetly behind the scenes for the last one year. These operatives, drawn from government, academia, civil society and the private sector, have built a robust back-end strategy that now positions UPA for real political engagement.

The party plans to compete in all 24 upcoming by-elections across the country. These include six National Assembly seats in Malava, where Moses Malulu Injendi died in February; Ugunja, where James Opiyo Wandayi resigned to join the Cabinet in July last year; Banisa, following the death of Kulow Maalim Hassan in a road accident in March two years ago; Magarini, where the Supreme Court nullified the election of Harrison Kombe in May; Mbeere North, where Geoffrey Ruku resigned in March to become a Cabinet Secretary; and Kasipul, where Charles Ong’ondo Were was assassinated in April this year.

The party will also field a candidate in the Baringo Senate by-election following the death of Senator William Cheptumo in February. In addition, UPA is preparing to field candidates in 17 Member of County Assembly races. These include Mumbuni North in Machakos, where Gideon Kavuu died; Nyamaiya in Nyamira, where Elijah Osiemo died in a road accident; Lakezone in Turkana, where Michael Egialan Ekwar died of cancer; Narok Town, where Lucas Ole Kudate died earlier this year; Angata Nanyekie in Samburu, where MCA Paul Leshimpiro was shot dead by bandits; and Chewani in Tana River, where Hamisi Iddi Deye died in a crash. Ten other MCA seats are currently vacant as declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and the latest addition brings the total to 24 following the death of Bungoma’s Cheele Kabuchai MCA, Barasa Mukhongo, after a long illness.

Sources within UPA indicate the party is in the process of receiving and identifying candidates for most of the seats and will make formal announcements during a meeting of the party. The party aims to use the by-elections to prove that it can translate its values and messaging into electoral success. The slogan “Safisha Kenya” is not just a catchphrase but a framework through which UPA intends to clean up Kenya’s politics. According to insiders, the party is targeting “the youth”, “professionals”, and “disillusioned voters” looking for an alternative to “noisy traditional outfits”. UPA is also designing a digital and physical campaign infrastructure aimed at creating a strong connection with Gen Z voters and youth in urban and peri-urban areas. The hope is that the 24 by-elections will serve as a national launchpad and give the party the traction it needs to become a serious player by 2027.

Beyond the by-elections and party growth, Matiang’i is also expected to use UPA as a platform for broader coalition negotiations. Discussions are already underway to bring together opposition outfits under a new unity arrangement that could rival the traditional party formations heading into 2027. While details of these negotiations remain tightly held, the former CS is understood to be playing a central role in these realignments.

Matiang’i’s approach is sober and deliberate. Rather than chasing headlines, he appears to be building something quietly but firmly. While it remains to be seen whether UPA can deliver wins in the by-elections, the party’s emergence offers a new political option in a space long dominated by “theatrics” and “recycled promises”. In a country yearning for better leadership, the message of “Safisha Kenya” may just find fertile ground.

PS Kiptoo: Homa Bay County Government violated the Constitution in the borrowing of Sh 820M from CPF for the construction of the headquarters

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By Hope Barbara

Homa Bay County Government and the Department of Finance have been placed on the spot over the violation of the Constitution in securing a Sh 820 million mortgage loan for the construction of the county headquarters.

Similarly, concerns have been raised over the cost of constructing the headquarters after it emerged that the Bill of Quantities (BQ) presented to the cabinet for discussion and approval amounted to Sh 520 million — and how an additional Sh 300 million was added to the original BQ is raising eyebrows.

It is official that the County Government of Homa Bay contravened the law in securing a loan of Sh 820 million for the construction of the county headquarters from the County Pension Fund (CPF).

Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr Chris K. Kiptoo, said the national government did not issue a guarantee for the Sh 820 million mortgage loan to Homa Bay County Government, in line with the provisions of Article 212(a) and 213 of the Constitution of Kenya.

In response to a community-based organisation, Interface Community Help Desk, which had sought information on compliance with Article 212 of the Constitution in relation to the Sh 820 million mortgage loan to Homa Bay County Government, he wrote:

“We acknowledge receipt of your letter Ref UCHD/S/VOL.4/2025 dated 3rd June 2025 of the above subject matter.
In your letter, you have indicated that Homa Bay County Government secured a loan amounting to Sh 820 million from the County Pension Fund for the construction of the Homa Bay County Headquarters, with the project having commenced in the FY 2023/2024.
Furthermore, you have requested the National Treasury to provide clarification and access to the following information:

  • Whether the national government provided a guarantee for the Sh 820 million loan to the Homa Bay County Government in accordance with Article 212(a) of the Constitution of Kenya;
  • Whether the National Treasury approved the said borrowing as required under the Public Finance Management Act and related regulations;
  • Whether the Homa Bay County Assembly formally approved the borrowing and mortgaged loan agreement with County Pension Fund;
  • Any publicly available impact assessments, feasibility studies, or risk analysis conducted prior to securing the loan.

The National Treasury has reviewed your request and wishes to inform you that the national government has not issued a guarantee for the Sh 820 million mortgage loan to Homa Bay County Government, in line with the provisions of Article 212(a) and 213 of the Constitution of Kenya.
For clarification and access to information on the other issues you have raised in your letter, the National Treasury requests you to kindly seek clarification from Homa Bay County Government.
The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to provide clarification on the issue of guarantee of the loan, which is the only issue which concerns the National Treasury.”

Article 212 of the Constitution of Kenya pertains to borrowing by county governments. It stipulates that a county government may borrow money only if the national government guarantees the loan and if the county government’s assembly approves it.

County governments cannot independently secure loans. The national government must first guarantee the loan, indicating a level of financial oversight and responsibility placed on the national level.

Even with a national government guarantee, the county government’s assembly (the legislative body of the county) must also approve the borrowing. This ensures that the county government’s elected representatives are involved in the decision-making process regarding borrowing.

Sources at the county and at the assembly told the writer that the project was discussed in the cabinet and the Bill of Quantities was amounting to Sh 520 million, and they do not understand how an additional Sh 300 million was arrived at.

The sources at the assembly also claimed that the initial approval was at Sh 280 million and no variation had been done for additional approval.

“The variation is above 25 percent according to procurement regulation, and the Finance Department should have come back to the assembly to seek additional approval — and this was never done. It is time the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided the county and the assembly,” they said.

CEC Finance Mr Solomon Obiero did not respond to our WhatsApp text on the above allegations.

EACC conducts raid targeting six senior Busia County top officials over Sh 1.4 B tender award

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By Sandra Blessing

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday conducted a coordinated search operation on top officials including three county committee members, a chief officer, and two directors over a Sh 1.4 billion tender award.

The officers from EACC conducted searches at the offices and residences of six senior officials from the County Government of Busia as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, theft of public funds, and unexplained wealth.

The investigation relates to tenders worth KES 1.4 billion, awarded during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years to 26 proxy companies reportedly operated by the suspects’ family members and close associates.

The search operation targeted the following officials:

Topister Nyati Wanyama, the CEC Member for Finance & Economic Planning;

Peter Khasamule Odima Haris, the CEC Member for Housing & Urban Development;

Paul Olung’a Bartholomew Ekwenye, CEC Member for Youth, Sports, Culture, Gender & Creative Arts;

Gypson Ojiambo Wafula, Chief Officer, Finance, ICT & Economic Planning;

Evans Wandera Wangata, Director of Budget;

Leonard Omacha, Director, Supply Chain Management.

In a post on the X handle, they said the search operation yielded valuable evidence to support the ongoing probe.

“All suspects were escorted to EACC Western Regional Offices for statement recording. Upon conclusion of investigations, the Commission will take appropriate action, including prosecution and recovery of unexplained assets,” it read.

EACC remains firmly committed to holding public officials accountable and recovering stolen public resources.

Kalonzo’s missed opportunity is Ruto’s gain in Raila’s power matrix

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By Anderson Ojwang

On 15th October 2023, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ground in Bondo, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, as the chief guest to a function, failed to seize the opportunity to run with the political baton.
The historic event, the 80th birthday of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s eldest son and Siaya senator, Dr Oburu Oginga, was a golden moment for Kalonzo to inherit Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga’s vote bloc.

After the 2022 presidential election, Raila had indicated that he may not contest again for the presidency, and this provided Kalonzo with the opportunity to galvanise the coalition and inherit the ODM leader’s vote bloc.
At the function, Oburu told the gathering that “Kalonzo had stood with us three times and at the opportune time we should also support him. He is a good person.”

At the same function, Raila warned President Ruto to stop belittling Kalonzo and accused him of trying to divide the coalition through unfounded speculations, adding that the flag bearer for the group would be announced at the opportune time.
“He is speaking about Kalonzo as if they are equals. Kalonzo is far better than him, Ruto. He wants to divide us with talk about who will run for the presidency, yet we ourselves have not announced anything. We will show him he knows nothing, we will stand with Kalonzo because he is an honest person,” he said.

Kalonzo said then that the person who will face President Ruto in the next election will have a walkover because Kenyans are already fed up with the Kenya Kwanza regime.
But instead of Kalonzo reading and taking cue from the positive gesture from the Odinga family, he went into a political slumber, left the coalition to disintegrate and has never visited Nyanza to seek their support.

Raila’s running mate, Martha Karua, was the first to walk out of the coalition and declared her intent to run for the presidency in the 2027 presidential contest.
Kalonzo later declared the coalition as dysfunctional and not a possible vehicle to be used in the next presidential race.
Kalonzo said they will not rebrand the Azimio coalition but rather form a new political outfit.

He said the coalition had become dysfunctional as members were pulling out and that he was reorganising his party.“Azimio is dysfunctional. We are consulting, but clearly we can’t go into the next election as Azimio. We are actively consulting and reorganising,” he said then.


Kalonzo instead entered into a political pact with the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who he expects to support his bid. For the last one month, Gachagua has been in the USA; Kalonzo has failed to tour the country while the latter’s party, DCP, has been holding rallies.

President Ruto took the opportunity to woo Raila into a broad-based government during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
It is through Oburu that President Ruto lured Raila into the broad-based government, and currently, the President is gaining through the association by making inroads into the ODM leader’s vote basket.

Raila recently declared he will support President Ruto up to 2027 and after that they will have another consultation.
Before President Ruto unveiled the broad-based cabinet, Kalonzo said a section of the constituent parties, namely the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM), Jubilee Party, DAP-Kenya Party, Party of National Unity (PNU), and Narc-Kenya, would not participate in nor support the Kenya Kwanza-led Broad-Based Government of National Unity.

“We shall not join for the straightforward reason that such actions are a betrayal of the ideology, values, and tenets of both our coalition party and our constituent parties. Should any of our members opt to join the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led Broad-Based Government of National Unity, we shall not be a party to that decision.”

But President Ruto has managed to snare into his fold Raila’s closest lieutenants led by Oburu, Mama Ida Odinga, Joe Ager, whom Ruto appointed to his council of economic advisors, Dr Adams Oloo, Eng Carey Orege, Jaoko Oburu, whom he appointed as adviser, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
Also in the fold are ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Minority Leader in Parliament Junet Mohammed, MPs Opondo Kaluma, Dr Lilian Gogo, Rosa Buyu, among others.
The cabinet secretaries, John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, and the permanent secretaries.
Raila has defended his decision to politically cooperate with Ruto, emphasising that post-election reconciliations are essential for national unity.

He stated that after elections, it is crucial for leaders to “shake hands” to foster peace and stability, underscoring his commitment to reconciliation regardless of electoral outcomes.

“We can compete very fiercely, but at the end of it all, people must shake hands and life must continue. That is how democracies are built,” said Raila.

Recently, when the ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed the memorandum of understanding, terming it as dead, Oburu, Wanga and Junet came out guns blazing.

Wanga said, “I am the national chairperson of ODM. Our leader is Raila, we know him and he has never lied to us. In March this year, we went to KICC and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a broad-based government.
We are in a broad-based government and as the national chairperson, I want to say here, someone talking contrary to the party position is not talking on behalf of the party.
He will need to explain to the party who has sent him.”

Junet Mohammed said, “I am the Minority Leader in Parliament, we are in a broad-based government. We don’t want confusion. We want development from this government.
It is not time to make noise but to benefit from development. Party position on the MOU remains valid and that Central Committee is the organ that mandated for the MOU.
We agreed in the committee for the signing of the MOU. If you want the MOU dead, kindly bring it back to Central Committee so that we can deliberate and declare it is dead.
We will not allow it to die. We cannot allow someone to remove us from the broad-based government through unorthodox means. Where do you want us to go to? If you are tired, you are free to leave. At this moment, we are in broad-based government.”

While Ruto is busy endearing himself to Raila’s vote bloc, Kalonzo is yet to visit Nyanza and other regions where the former PM controls.
Kalonzo’s missed opportunities are turning out to be Ruto’s gains.

Eulogy for Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo, OGW (1932 – 2025)

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Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, distinguished leaders, members of the clergy, the great people of Karachuonyo and Homa Bay, brothers and sisters across our beloved nation and in the diaspora:

We gather today beneath a shared canopy of gratitude—gratitude for the 92 radiant years God granted to Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo, a daughter of Karachuonyo whose light shone far beyond the shores of Lake Victoria, illuminating boardrooms at the United Nations, the chambers of Parliament, and the humblest village footpaths.

A trail she blazed for us all

Born on 12 September 1932, Mama Phoebe was no stranger to “firsts.” She became the first African woman to rise to the rank of Police Superintendent, the first Luo woman to be installed as an elder, and one of the earliest female Members of Parliament—serving Karachuonyo from 1979 to 1992. Her fingerprints are etched on the two-thirds gender rule, the Affirmative Action Bill, and every milestone Maendeleo ya Wanawake has achieved since she took its helm in 1958 and remained its steadfast Trustee until the very end.

As UNIFEM Ambassador (1988-1992), she strode across continents carrying the aspirations of Kenyan girls in the folds of her kitenge, reminding the world that “where women rise, nations rise.”

The mentor behind my own journey

I speak today not only as a former colleague in elective politics but as a son she adopted into her circle of wisdom. In 2009, long after Mama Phoebe had left active politics, I felt the first tremors of calling. She clasped my shoulders, looked me squarely in the eye, and said, “Go serve Karachuonyo; development is love made visible.” Her endorsement that year carried indescribable weight. She did more than lend a famous name – she lent strategy, networks, and the quiet confidence that Karachuonyo’s future could be shaped by its own sons and daughters.

On every campaign stop she reminded crowds that my late mother – herself, once a constituency beauty-contest representative, would be proud. She vowed she would find me my mother’s photograph. Though that cherished picture never reached my hands, the promise itself became a living portrait, framing Mama Phoebe’s tenderness toward my family.

Our families broke bread together in Wikondiek and later in Durham, North Carolina, where she breathed her last on 16 July 2025. In every visit her laughter filled the room first, followed closely by her favorite refrain, “Child, the sky is wide—keep climbing.”

Her legacy in brick, mortar, and human spirit

Because of her guidance, we rolled out water projects, girl-friendly school latrines, and the first ICT hubs Karachuonyo. Yet she insisted that true development is “the capacity of a young girl to dream without ceilings.” She championed bursaries that sent hundreds of Karachuonyo daughters to secondary school and beyond.

Even in retirement she chaired the Caucus for Women’s Leadership, coaching a new generation to occupy spaces previously signed “boys only.” I stand here as living testimony that her mentorship was never idle talk – it was investment with compound interest, paying dividends to families she would never meet.

Anchored in faith

Mama Phoebe’s Christian walk began in an Adventist home and never wavered, yet she embraced people of all creeds. Her life calls to mind the words of Proverbs 31: 25-31—

“Strength and dignity are her clothing… she opens her mouth with wisdom… give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Today, at these figurative “gates” of state and church, we lift our voices in that praise.

A charge to all who loved her

  1. To my sisters in Maendeleo ya Wanawake—wear her mantle lightly but carry her resolve firmly.
  2. To the men and boys—honor her by championing spaces where our girls and wives stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.
  3. To the leaders before me—let us pass the Inclusive Representation Bill she fought for, so her dream echoes in law as well as lore.

Fare-thee-well, Mother of Nations

Mama Phoebe fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith; now a crown of righteousness is hers. Yet her final wish is unfinished business, entrusted to every heart that beats for Kenya: build a country where no child’s potential is rationed by gender, geography, or poverty.

May we answer that call with the same steadfast grace with which she answered every call placed upon her life.

Rest now, Mama Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo. Your works praise you at our gates, at our news desks, and in the quiet prayers of the girl child whose tomorrow you made possible.

“Go thee in peace, and may thy deeds outlive even our memory of them.”

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