By Anderson Ojwang

The writing could be on the wall, and the script is rolling out fast. With each character playing their roles. The scenes are unfolding and the once darling in the king’s palace is fast becoming a pariah at the king’s high table. He is under siege from all corners and has been left as a lone voice and ranger.

The troops have made an abrupt about turn, now dine and wine in a new formation, the broad-based government yet he remains stuck in the old attire and is the only one who sat at the king’s table who is critical of the holy or unholy union.

This is the changing fortunes for Siaya Governor James Orengo who previously had the ears and eyes of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

In his place, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assumed the role and is currently Raila and his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, new kid on the block.

Wandayi is seen as a possible heir apparent to Raila’s throne and probably a suitable candidate to take over from Orengo in the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

Orengo, who has been an ardent critic of the broad-based government and the political union between ODM and UDA, has continued with his one-man battle that now puts him in confrontation with party leadership.

On Saturday, in Siaya, during the burial of Raila’s long serving and trusted aide George Oduor that was also attended by President Ruto, Orengo did not fail to state his disapproval of the union and went ahead to say that he would not fall to praise and worship songs as had been exhibited by previous speakers from the region.

Orengo said he cannot sing a song of praise for the government and that it was right for the people of Siaya to receive development from the government.

“What I am trying to say is that let’s build a society that is built on the Constitution and the rule of law. We can say many things, but for me,  I cannot be a praise singer.

 Because we fought for a democratic constitution, where people should talk. I was in Parliament when people used to tell President Daniel Arap Moi that there is nowhere you will go and that you will be in power until the day you want to go.

 They told Moi then and I was a member of parliament that time. There were only a few of us who said we cannot have this system of government and Raila was the head at that time, when Jaramogi had died, that we do not want that system of government.

So I am asking you, Kenyans, this constitution that we fought for,  it is a very difficult document to keep and if we keep on singing praises every time, we will not have a country. So I urge you, tell your leaders the truth.

Mr. President, when you came here for the first time, I was the only one who was here to receive you.

I was here because I was convinced that institutions must work. Even  Rarieda MP Paul Otiende Amollo, who is here said then said he cannot come. I tried to persuade him but failed. I was here alone with you. Because I don’t sing praise, I believe you are the president, and we are going to talk. 

So this country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language I am hearing here today continues.

When you have something to be brought to Siaya, it is a matter of  our right, it is not like you are being given, it’s a  matter of right

I cried when I was in parliament with John Okwanyo,  Odongo Omamo, among others, and I was the only backbencher. They used to tell me that I should be in the government. But I told them all must not be in the government,” he said.

Siaya senator Dr Oburu Odinga set the tone by declaring they were rightfully in the broad-based government and had no reason to pull out.

“We joined the broad-based government to help you stabilise the government, and we were not worried by those objecting to the new political formation.

We want to encourage the country to be peaceful, we are going to work together and those our friends who think otherwise should also continue to think otherwise, and we will remain friends with them, but they should know that as ODM, we have decided to work in this broad-based government.

We have lent you people to work with you and what I want to appeal for, let our region get its share of development,” he said.

Wandayi, following the footsteps of Oburu, declared that the community was in government to stay and that they had given Raila the mandate to work with the president.

“I want to thank Raila for agreeing to work with you closely to unite this country. Your Excellency, where you sit be rest assured that Baba has got our collective mandate as the people of this region to assist you in uniting this country.

And from where we sit, Your Excellency, there is no turning back, we have made a decision that we are working with you, and we are doing this to the end.

Your Excellency, do not be threatened by anything or anybody. And those shouting Ruto must go, I want to tell you this, he is going nowhere. 

In this region, we are not known to be double speakers ,we say what we believe in and we do  what we say. We have said in one accord, we are in this government as a people and we want to continue in that manner,” he said.

Alego MP Sam Atandi once an ally of Orengo but now a bitter critic asked Orengo to concentrate in managing Siaya county government, where he claimed he has failed to deliver.

“We are in government. we are participating in creating policies for this government.  And we supporting this government inside and outside parliament.

I want to tell my governor Orengo, last weekend, we were at a funeral in Siaya, when the president came to condole with us. My governor made certain remarks that were really distasteful. I want to tell Orengo that the Luos were not created to stay in the opposition.

 I know he has been in opposition since he was born and there is nothing he understands other than opposition. Let him concentrate on managing Siaya County,” he said.

By Anderson Ojwang

Traffickers have now developed a new wave of appetite targeting the trafficking and smuggling of reptile and garden ants, respectively, out of the country to the international market.

Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has sounded an alarm over the emerging illegal trade in reptiles and garden ants that will have negative effects on the country’s biodiversity.

Currently, the garden ants commonly referred to as  Messor cephalotes are a highly sought-after ant species.

The garden ants are highly prized by collectors for their unique seed-harvesting behaviour, pest control abilities, and complex colony-building skills. 

KWS Senior  Corporate  Communication Manager Mr. Paul Udoto said the traits have made the garden ants a hot commodity in the global formicarium (ant farm) trade, fueling their illegal removal from the wild—and exposing a troubling new trend: biopiracy of Kenya’s native species.

“Unlike ordinary ants, garden ants collect and store seeds, playing a crucial role in soil health and plant regeneration.

Their large size (up to 1.5 cm) and intricate tunnelling make them a top pick for exotic collectors, with illegal online sales reaching $1,000 per colony,” he said.

Ecological Damage: Removing these ants disrupts seed dispersal, harming plant growth.

Risk of Extinction: Local populations are shrinking in hotspots like Spain’s arid regions.

Mr. Udoto said some greenhouses use the garden ants to naturally manage pests, reducing the need for chemicals, and this has in turn made them become the silent victims of biopiracy and illegal wildlife trade

“The case goes beyond wildlife trafficking—it’s biopiracy: the unauthorised plundering of Kenya’s biodiversity for profit, with no benefits returning to the country,” he said.

He said Kenyans and researchers were being robbed of potential scientific and economic gains, from eco-tourism to bio-inspired agriculture.

He said the smuggling of the ants posed a serious ecological threat as the removal disrupts seed dispersal and soil ecosystems, with long-term damage to Kenya’s dryland habitats.

Udoto said the smugglers have developed a new technique where they pack ants in tiny, unmarked containers shipped abroad.

“ The smuggled garden ants are sold online on Black Markets. They are sold via social media and exotic pet forums, often labelled as “captive-bred” to evade suspicion,” he said.

Udoto said weak enforcement in most of the borders as the checks focus mainly on larger wildlife, letting ants slip through.

“Kenya Wildlife Service is now training officers to detect insect smuggling. We have issued  Customs alerts for high-risk species like Messor cephalotes.

Our Scientists have demanded stricter Nagoya Protocol enforcement to combat biopiracy,” he said.

He said KWS was training Wildlife Inspectors to detect ant smuggling at airports, while the Scientists were pushing for Messor cephalotes to be listed as protected in more countries.

 Similarly, activists track illegal online sales and report sellers.

He said the garden ants were not just fascinating creatures but were victims of a growing illegal trade. Without action, we could lose them before we truly understand their role in nature.

“This isn’t just about insects—it’s about justice for Kenya’s natural heritage. If biopiracy goes unchecked, we risk losing species before understanding their full value. The question is: Will the world act before it’s too late?” he asked.

Recently, three suspects were arraigned in the JKIA court charged with illegal possession and alleged smuggling of garden amts.

Two Belgian nationals, a Vietnamese and a Kenyan, recently appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku at the JKIA Law Courts in Nairobi, charged with illegal possession and trafficking of live wildlife—approximately 5,000 queen garden ants concealed in 2,244 tubes, with an estimated street value of Sh 1 million. 

Dr.Edris N.Omondi(Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

It was a Sunday afternoon, and the air in Kisumu was warm with the promise of a beautiful evening. My missionary friends visiting from different corners of the world, had come to experience a slice of Kenya’s cultural heritage, and we were about to embark on a memorable journey through the sounds of the Luo community.

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, we found ourselves seated by the shores of Lake Victoria, at a local joint along Dunga Beach. The cool breeze carried the echoes of distant laughter, a taste of vitamin B12, D and niacin only found from this lake, the soft murmur of waves, and the vibrant notes of a band setting up nearby. The place was bustling with the kind of energy that only Kisumu could offer—relaxed, yet full of anticipation. It wasn’t long before the sweet sounds of benga music, a signature style of the Luo people, filled the air, mingling with the fading golden light.

The band—musicians dressed in brightly colored clothes; their faces illuminated by the setting sun—began to play. The rhythm was infectious. Guitars, drums, and the iconic bass guitar of benga came together in a harmony that was as smooth as the evening breeze. The music seemed to drain the sunset itself, turning it into a dance of shadows and colors. My friends were mesmerized. Even those who had never heard benga or ohangla before were swept into its energy, a feet, a head node and a finger snap with a smiley face full of life. The evening flowed effortlessly, as the melodies carried us through the Luo community’s rich cultural legacy. As to skills, there is no doubt it’s a community embraced with talent and life.

Luo Music: A Cultural Heritage That Resonates Far and Wide

The Luo community, primarily located in Western Kenya, has long been celebrated for its vibrant musical heritage. Known for the fusion of traditional sounds with modern rhythms-afro-fusion, Luo music—especially, the vibrance of the musical instrument like nyatiti, benga and ohangla music—has become a powerful force in Kenya’s music scene and beyond.

Benga music, with its origins deeply rooted in the Luo people’s history, blends local rhythms with the influence from Cuban music and Congolese rhumba. It emerged in the mid-20th century and quickly gained popularity for its electrifying sound, driven by the guitar and a steady, pulsating beat that is uniquely Luo. The likes of Musa Juma (M.J), Daniel Owino Misiani and Shirati band, George Ramogi(Omogi wuod weta) ,Okatch Biggy, the iconic Ochieng’ Nelly and Gabriel Omolo among many others, have helped shape the genre, bringing it from local gatherings to national stages and international acclaim.

Ohangla music, on the other hand, has a more recent but equally powerful presence. It carries a unique, energetic rhythm and is traditionally performed at weddings, community events, and celebrations. The sound is typically characterized by lively drumming, the blowing of horns, and the deep call-and-response vocals that are emblematic of the Luo community’s musical culture. Artists like the late Ayub Ogada and Princess Jully of ‘’dunia mbaya’ top hit song, Tony Nyadundo, Emma Jalamo have helped to cement ohangla’s place on both national and international platforms.

However, Luo music is more than just entertainment—it is a vibrant expression of the community’s way of life. The music tells stories of love, loss, triumph, and the struggles of daily life. It is a thread that connects generations and bridges the gap between past and present.

The Need for a Benga Week Musical-Tourism Festival in Kisumu

Given the rich heritage of Luo music and its cultural significance, it is high time for Kisumu to establish an annual Benga Week Musical-Tourism Festival. Such an event would not only celebrate the genre but also highlight the city as a key destination for music lovers, tourists, and culture enthusiasts from all over the world.

The festival could showcase the best of benga and ohangla music, with performances from both legendary and up-and-coming artists. By tapping into the city’s tourism potential, Kisumu could offer a truly immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to experience the fusion of music, dance, food, and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Victoria.

Kisumu’s strategic position as a hub for East African culture, coupled with the growth of Kenya’s tourism industry, makes it the perfect location for such a celebration. The music could not only serve as a gateway to Luo culture but also provide an economic boost to the region, attracting tourists, boosting local businesses, and fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Moreover, an annual Benga Week would preserve and honor the legacy of the Luo community’s musicians, ensuring that the next generation understands the significance of their musical heritage. It would also provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talents, propelling Luo music into the future.

The sun had long disappeared below the horizon by the time the music came to a gentle close that evening. But as we sat there, surrounded by the lingering rhythm of the band’s final notes, it was clear that the legacy of Luo music, and the experience it offers, will continue to shine brightly—both locally and internationally. The idea of Benga Week in Kisumu was no longer just a thought, but a vision for how to share the beauty and energy of Luo music with the world, one song at a time.

(Dr. Edris Omondi is a Preacher, Social Thinker, Mentor, Writer, Author and a Public Motivational Speaker)

By Anderson Ojwang                      

On Saturday, at Ramba village in Rarieda constituency, Raila Amolo Odinga buried one of the two trusted, loyal and cherished family employees who have been the cog that has ensured they operate seamlessly. 

In  Raila’s family, two of his employees have been key to the effective and efficient management of the  family’s businesses and  security. 

The two employees hold the family deep guarded secrets in business and security and are the trusted engines that glue the family together.

For Mama Ida Odinga, her secretary Judy Owino, is all that she needs to effectively and efficiently run the family business, Spectra International. 

In Judy, Raila trusts that Mama Ida is in safe pair of gloves and the business is safe and rolling.

While for Mama Ida, George Oduor gave her the confidence and peace of mind that husband, Raila’s security and safety was guaranteed. 

For Mama Ida , the presence of Oduor next to Raila was a reassurance that her husband was safe despite uncertainty and unpredictable moments that her husband faces in his daily political life. 

That is why emotions were high with Raila’s family breaking down while other mourners couldn’t hold back the tears. 

And leaders and mourners led by President William Ruto converged in Ramba to condole with Raila and his family.

Raila in his tribute said ” Georges’ departure marks not just the end of an era in my political journey but also a celebration of an enduring legacy of dedication and excellence that set him apart from his peers and enabled him to get where he did. 

With Jaramogi’s death, we had to undertake a lot of reorganization both around our family businesses and political organizations. 

There were new deployments and redeployment of existing personnel.

In that reorganization, we agreed to take George as personal security and aide.

This was a very challenging and uncertain time.

I was looking for someone who was loyal, and honest, who could be trusted with things like money, important documents and information.

Just as I had hoped, George turned out to be a person of impeccable character, innocent, sincere, generous and trustworthy. 

He therefore turned out a man of great vigilance and a cornerstone of my security operations with meticulous attention to detail. 

You could trust George with money, instruct on where it is to be spent and I could be sure it would reach the intended recipient.

He would pick a precious item you left behind and hand it to you intact. 

He was civil and accommodating but smart and extremely alert.

He could smell danger from far and promptly and call for extreme caution or advise that we exit a place immediately. 

His dedication to work and the overall cause was unmatched. Even as his health sometimes dwindled, he insisted on pulling himself up and showing up at work.”

Winnie Odinga, Raila’s last born wrote in her tribute “You were a true hero, taking care of Jakom and the family, saving our lives more times than one can count .

If there were a medal for loyalty and honor, you would have a whole wall of them. 

So, that’s how I will remember you George: cool, calm, collected, a man of true loyalty and honor; saving our world, one day at a time. Until we meet again.”

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga said “This man lying here was a great man.

I can tell you the man he was taking care of , Raila Amolo Odinga, is not a very easy person to take care of.

I can tell you, because I am his elder brother.

He was more than security to Raila,  he was like a brother, he knew everything about Raila.

He knows what is ailing Raila and his programs, he could judge on the next course of action and was very sensitive on what Raila did.

George was my friend, I knew him in 1992, when he was with my dad, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he campaigned for me under very difficult times.”

Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga said George was irreplaceable and the demise was blow to the Odinga’s family.

“We knew that with George, Raila was safe.

We entrusted Raila’s security and safety in his hands and indeed, he delivered. He was a brother to us and the demise is a blow to us,” she said.

President Ruto said “I have come here not because George was elected in any capacity or wheels any public position, but I have come here because George has demonstrated beyond any doubt that he was a Kenyan who had demonstrated competence and integrity as confidant.

He has shown immeasurable loyalty as a Kenyan patriot and when he was trusted with the security of Raila. 

We are celebrating a competent police office, confidant with great integrity and a loyal patriot as a security officer of the republic of Kenya.”

By Anderson Ojwang                    

In pursuit  and search for  self-identity  and consciousness, an American teen of Kenyan origin  embarked  on research that gave her freedom from the yoke of denial, fear  and self-pity.

The teen,  Amari  Carthron,  is in her senior year (Grade 12) and also attends Delta  College part-time to study sociology.

She came up with a research idea to answer her worries and those of many other Black persons in the world.

“I read about a viral video of a Black man who was unable to use a soap dispenser. From this video, I developed an idea  for my project to investigate racial bias  in public health.” 

Specifically, the video shows a Black guest of the marriott hotel in Atlanta struggling to use a soap dispenser in the hotel’s bathroom. 

The soap dispenser would not work on his hands because of their technology, and he had to have his white friend help him get the soap to wash his hands. 

“I was passionate about the experiment  because it was related to  my identity. 

Previously, I wasn’t really passionate about my science work and because of my identity as a Black woman, I haven’t really felt welcome in STEM spaces, but the research gave me a reason to celebrate who I am,” she says.

Amari’s research  was based on investigating the racial bias in public health.

The test involved study on automatic sinks which have the same infrared technology as that found in the soap dispenser from the viral video. 

This technology works using infrared sensors that emit infrared electromagnetic radiation that is reflected off the surface of hands back to the sensor. 

The sensor then triggers the faucet to dispense water. 

Theoretically, these sensors are less effective on darker skin because it reflects a lower amount of electromagnetic radiation. 

In her experimentation, Amari used synthetic human hands that were painted in an expansive range of skin tones. 

She had 10 hands total and tested them each against automatic sinks at three public locations. 

She performed 90 trials of experimentation and found that as skin pigmentation (how dark the skin is) increased, so did sensor response time (the time it took for a sensor to respond to a hand and trigger a faucet to dispense water).

Essentially, she did find significant (determined via t-test) racial disparities in the functions of automatic sinks, which are public health devices used in everyday life. 

“I was so passionate about the experiment, but there were many times when I got fatigued and I wanted to give up. 

The ups and downs of a research can weigh you down to the melting point. 

My parents stood by me, and they urged me to keep on going. 

My mentor, Ms. Clara Wagner was also a guiding light for me. 

My friends and my school also encouraged me to continue.

My aunt was very helpful with dropping me off and picking me up to collect samples for the experiment. 

Because of her help, I got a burst of new energy that propelled me to the full completion of the project,” she says.

Amari says the project enabled her to understand the reality of being a Black person and the beauty that goes with it, and she is proud of her work.

To her the project was not an individualistic desire for self-actualization but  for the good of the Black community and to help reinforce the importance of their identity.

“I am gifted and talented. I like doing research that has an impact on the human kind. 

I am happy that my project was for the good of my community and that is why I feel honored to have emerged among the best in the science fair,” she explains.

Amari Carthron placed fourth at the Michigan State science fair. 

Amari was also recognized by the American Statistical Association  with an award.

Amari’s  project was  “Investigating Racial  Bias in Public  Health” her research studied racial  disparities  in school  bathrooms, store bathrooms, and  restaurant bathrooms.

Her research found significant racial disparities in every bathroom she tested. 

Sensor response times between the lighter skin tones and the darker skin tones had significant differences between them (p-value ≤ 0.05) at every test location. 

This is significant because washing hands is the first line of defense in  proving  the spread  of illness. 

“Washing hands is also the most accessible form of disease prevention,” she said.

Celebrating her 18^th birthday in style.

Amari is excited about her 18^th birthday and is looking forward to marking it with a difference. 

A dreamer, she is turning dreams into reality. 

This year she is planning to launch her first book, a fantasy.

The book targets teens and young adults in college. 

She would prefer to keep the plot of the book secret, but she will say that it is a romantic fantasy featuring magic. 

Stay tuned!

“I like daydreaming. My stories are just written down versions of what I dream about. 

Last year, I was able to author my first book, which is a milestone,” she says.

Amari says her mother, Glenis Sungu’s resilience and commitment are the virtues that have been pillars in her life.

“I am proud of myself .

I have a long way to go to achieve a lot of things. 

This is just the beginning and I am committed to realizing greatness,” she says.

Her mother, Glenis says:

“Amari is a very hard worker. 

She doesn’t give up, and she’s a perfectionist. 

She’s patient, kind, and respectful. She’s a wonderful example to her younger sister. 

Amari has always loved school and reading since was young. 

I have always known that she is destined for greatness. I believe in her above all else.”