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Kalonzo’s game plan for 2027 Presidency, why he is looking at the Mountain

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By Anderson Ojwang’

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is preparing to make a second stab at the presidency in the 2027 general elections and is rolling out an elaborate strategy to propel him to Statehouse.

Kalonzo has shifted his focus from the Lake and is now eying the Mountain, which he claims are yet to settle his political debts they owe to him, when the community was faced by crisis.

His debts are arising from his support for President Mwai Kibaki during the 2007 controversial Presidential election and his recent support to the impeached deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Among the strategies Kalonzo is instituting include rebranding of his Wiper Democratic Party to appeal the new vote block, association and identification with Mt Kenya by recreating GEMA alliance, possible alliance with  Gachugua and holding political rallies across the country.

Equally, Kalonzo has come to term with the absence of Forner Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who left Azimio La Umoja to join President Willliam Ruto Kenya Kwanza Government. Kalonzo is now ready to walk away from Raila’s shadows to chart his own political destination. 

Similarly, Kalonzo also feel let down by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga for abandoning the opposition to join President William Ruto.

In his pursuit of the Mt Kenya, Kalonzo is hoping that the emergence of Gachagua as the defacto leader of Mt Kenya could earn him the region votes and propel him to presidency as it did to Ruto in the 2022 presidential election.

And picking cue from Gachagua over recreation of GEMA, Kalonzo during a TV interview has declared that the Gema unity that brought Kamba, the Gikuyu, Meru and Embu together during pre- and post-independence is back and roaring.

Speaking during a TV morning breakfast show, Kalonzo said even if Raila returned to the opposition fold, he will not play a leading role in the group’s unity and agenda.

Kalonzo said” As we speak the original Gema, now is not Gikuyu, Embu, Meru but now it is inclusive of their cousins in the Southern region of the Mountain.

It is back the same away, when it was during the president Jomo Kenyatta and Paul Ngei before they later fell out.

The elders have met led by Bishop Lawi Mathews, Bishop Peter Njenga, Canon  Karanja who is Executive Director of Gema.

The consultations have been undertaken, and they have arrived at proclamation.

Currently, they are speaking with their cousins of Mijikenda, Kissi and now Bukusu.

The numbers are exciting if you look at it.

If you look at the arithmetic, when Kibaki and I united together in 2007, we had the numbers and, I remember that those who united against Mt Kenya has re-united once again.’”

Gachagua while speaking in Seikuru village in Ukambani of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and in Voi said “ I have been sent by the people of Mt Kenya to come and to look for our cousins. Cousins are you there?

We, Mt Kenya with the Kambas, Taita’s ,MijiKenda, Taveta, we are one family, we are cousins.

I want to tell you, I heard some people complaining that I am forming a political alliance with Kalonzo, why do you want to get involved in family affairs?

If someone has spoken to his cousin, is there any problem? You can also speak to your cousin.

You, Willam Ruto keep of family matters. Don’t get into our family affairs. Let me ask, should cousins stay together or not? Should the cousins walk together or not?”

Kalonzo said his supporters contributed to Raila’s significant performance in the last three presidential elections and his candidature will stir a new political dispensation and that the voter turnout would be huge.

“We are now reconstituting the opposition because Azimio is dead, the moment Raila joined Ruto’s government. it is open secret that Raila has betrayed me.

As a general you cannot leave your team to climb on the top of the tree while they remain stranded below the tree.

During the anti-financial bill in 2024, I went to Homa Bay and Nyanza, I asked the people if Zakayo has refused to climb down from the tree.

Do we cut the tree, and they responded in unison, cut the tree.

I thought my friend Raila could take heed from the public.

I want to make it clear, that Kenyans least expected that betrayal from Raila Odinga.

I have supported Raila on three occasions and people are asking what type of a person is Kalonzo.

Some people are thinking that Kalonzo can be hoodwinked by Raila to join Ruto.

Let them forget about that.

I will be where the people are, and I have realized that this is the best way to do it.

I have been called several names, those who nicknamed me such names have come to possess the names,” he said.

He said the opposition team was ready to face off with the president Ruto and that should Raila join them he wouldn’t be in the forefront.

“We already have some many people, It is possible he may come but let him go at the back end. We have planned ourselves.

We have Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiangi, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, JB Muturi and Mukhisa Kituyi,” he said.

In a gazette Notice dated 18th June 2025 by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Ndungu captioned Change of political party name she wrote:

“In exercise of the power conferred by section 20 (1) (d) of the political parties Act, the Registrar of political parties gives notice that Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) intends to change its party name to Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF).

Any person with written submission concerning the intended change by the political party shall within seven days from the date of this publication deposit them with the Registrar of political patties.”

Kalonzo during the interview maintained that he was the most suitable candidate and appealed to his colleagues to support his bid.

He declined to commit whether he would support another presidential candidate should the opposition team fail to endorse his candidature.

EDITED BY: HOPE BARBRA

THE RESPECT IMPERATIVE: WHY KENYA’S FUTURE DEMANDS MORE THAN ANGER

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Raila

By Remmy Butia

Kenya stands at a crossroads. The passionate energy of Gen Z, channeled into protests, has undeniably shaken the political landscape. While the right to dissent is fundamental to democracy, a troubling undercurrent has emerged: a palpable erosion of basic respect for the office of the Presidency and the person holding it. This isn’t about stifling criticism or blind loyalty to President Dr. William Kipchirchir Samoei Ruto. It’s about safeguarding the fabric of our nation and understanding that the seeds we sow today – including how we express our discontent – will inevitably shape the Kenya we reap tomorrow.

Beyond Ruto: The Seeds We Sow

The fervent cheers by some political leaders, the clergy and the civil society organizations for the Gen Z movement, while understandable expressions of frustration, often overlook a crucial truth: the consequences of sustained disrespect and toxic political discourse transcend any single administration. It’s easy to direct vitriol at the current occupant of State House; President William Ruto, believing the fallout is contained. This is a dangerous illusion.

The aggressive name-calling, the relentless personal attacks, the normalization of shouting down and demeaning the Head of State – these are not tactics confined to one presidency. They establish a precedent. They lower the bar for acceptable political engagement. What happens when those cheering the loudest today; Dr Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi or even Rigathi Gachagua find themselves in positions of power tomorrow? Will they inherit a nation where respectful debate is the norm, or one where the currency of politics is raw contempt and character assassination? The disrespect normalized today becomes the weapon used against any future leader, potentially including those currently leading the charge of criticism.

Patience Under Fire: A Lesson in Temperament

Regardless of one’s political stance, President Dr William Ruto has demonstrated an extraordinary degree of patience in the face of unprecedented public vitriol. The sheer volume and intensity of negative energy directed personally at him – far beyond policy critique into the realm of insult and dehumanization – is unmatched in recent Kenyan history. The fact that he has consistently maintained his composure, refrained from inflammatory retaliation, and continued to engage (even if his responses are deemed insufficient by critics) is noteworthy. This isn’t an endorsement of his policies, but an acknowledgment of temperament under immense pressure. Dismissing this resilience sets a concerning standard for how leaders should be treated.

Respect = Agreement: The Foundation of Nationhood

Demanding respect for leaders is not synonymous with demanding agreement. Robust, even fierce, criticism of policies, decisions, and governance failures is not only acceptable but essential for a healthy democracy. Accountability is paramount. However, this accountability must be exercised through constructive channels – through reasoned debate in Parliament, through investigative journalism, through the courts, and through peaceful, organized civic action that focuses on issues, not personal destruction.

Respect for the office and the individual holding it, even while vehemently disagreeing, is the bedrock upon which stable institutions are built. It’s about recognizing that the Presidency represents the sovereignty of the Kenyan people. When we reduce the highest office in the land to a target for crude insults and constant, undignified berating, we don’t just demean the individual; we chip away at the dignity of the institution itself and, by extension, the nation it serves.

The Danger of Burning Bridges for Short-Term Gain

The call to “not burn this nation for selfish political gains” is urgent. Exploiting genuine public anger, stoking flames of hatred towards individuals, and normalizing disrespect as a political strategy might yield short-term advantages for some factions. But it comes at a catastrophic long-term cost. It deepens divisions, erodes social cohesion, and makes constructive governance incredibly difficult. A nation perpetually at war with itself, where leaders are treated as enemies rather than fellow citizens entrusted with a difficult job, cannot prosper. It creates an environment of instability that scares away investment, stifles development, and ultimately harms every single Kenyan.

The Path Forward: Demanding Accountability with Dignity

The energy and passion of Kenya’s youth are invaluable assets. Their demands for better governance, economic opportunity, and an end to corruption are legitimate and must be addressed with seriousness. However, the method matters profoundly.

  1. Focus on Policy, Not Personality: Channel the incredible mobilization power into specific, actionable policy demands and solutions. Hold leaders accountable for their actions and decisions.
  2. Utilize Democratic Institutions: Strengthen Parliament, the Judiciary, independent commissions, and the media as the primary arenas for accountability. Participate in them, reform them if needed, but use them.
  3. Demand Respectful Engagement: Expect leaders to engage respectfully with citizens, and model that respect even in fierce disagreement. Civility is not weakness; it’s the strength of a mature democracy.
  4. Build, Don’t Just Break: Critique is vital, but also propose, innovate, and engage in nation-building efforts. Offer alternatives, not just condemnation.

Reaping What We Sow

Kenya’s future greatness hinges not just on what we demand, but how we demand it. The relentless disrespect, the toxic discourse, the normalization of contempt for the Presidency – these are seeds that, if allowed to take root, will yield a bitter harvest of perpetual division and instability, regardless of who is in power.

We can honor the passion for change driving the youth while simultaneously upholding the respect due to the institutions and offices that define our republic. President Ruto’s patience offers an unexpected lesson: composure under fire is possible.

Let us demand accountability fiercely, but let us also demand it with the dignity and respect befitting a nation that aspires to unity and progress. For the Kenya we save from burning today is the Kenya we will all inhabit tomorrow.

Let’s build it on foundations of respect, robust debate, and unwavering commitment to our shared future, not on the ashes of contempt. Our tribal democracy must be replaced with issue-based politics.

Wanga and Gogo Lead GBV Sensitization and Distribution of Sh50M NG-CDF Bursary in Rangwe

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By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at the weekend presided over an event focused on Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sensitization at Asumbi Girls High School in the Rangwe Constituency.

The event also marked the launch of the distribution of the NG-CDF bursary, in which a total of Sh50 million was allocated to support the education of underprivileged students across various educational institutions.

During the event, Wanga, accompanied by local Member of Parliament Dr. Lilian Gogo, addressed critical issues including GBV, femicide, and teenage pregnancies, highlighting their detrimental effects on the county’s transformative agenda. Governor Wanga stated.

According to the KLIN situation analysis report, there are estimated five GBV cases being reported while an estimated other 10 are being prosecuted yearly.

Defilement remains the leading GBV, followed by assault by couples and assault by relatives in Rangwe.

However, in tackling the GBV cases, the Constituency still faces some challenges which include lack of enough stationery, insufficient telephone airtime, lack of fuel, and lack of enough rape kits and evidence bags by the Police Officers handling the cases.

“Today, hosted by Hon. Dr. Gogo, we launched the Rangwe NG-CDF student bursaries and engaged the public on GBV, femicide, and teenage pregnancies.”

She underscored that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) constitutes a severe human rights violation with enduring physical and psychological repercussions for victims, often compounded by perpetrators evading justice due to inadequate evidence documentation.

Wanga remarked, “GBV, femicide, and teenage pregnancies are pressing threats that we are diligently addressing as leaders.”

She praised Hon. Dr. Gogo for her steadfast commitment to the advocacy of education and social justice.

According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS 2022), 54 percent of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while 23 percent have encountered sexual violence. Additionally, the survey revealed that Homa Bay County exhibits the highest incidence of sexual violence in the Nyanza region.

In response to these alarming statistics, Governor Wanga articulated that her administration has formulated a comprehensive policy and legislative framework aimed at eradicating cases of SGBV within the county through multi-sectoral interventions and programming.

Furthermore, partnerships have been established to create GBV centers that provide holistic services for survivors.

The event was attended by other Members of Parliament, including Dr. Eve Obara from Kabondo Kasipul and Fatuma Mohammed from Migori.

MP Gogo emphasized that GBV impacts not only women and girls but also men, families, and entire communities, thereby undermining collective well-being. She stated,

“She said that the initiative not only uplifts countless students through educational support but also addresses the urgent need to combat GBV in our communities.”

Gogo noted that Homa Bay County, especially Rangwe Constituency, faces elevated rates of GBV, with numerous incidents involving physical and sexual violence against women.

“While GBV disproportionately affects women and girls, men and boys can also be victims,” she added.

Gogo emphasized the necessity of a multi-sectoral approach that incorporates stakeholders such as healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations in the fight against GBV.

“Tackling GBV requires coordinated efforts across various sectors, including healthcare and law enforcement,” Gogo explained.

She further highlighted the importance of enhancing access to justice for survivors through the removal of barriers to reporting and ensuring the proper handling of complex cases.

Additionally, she mentioned that training programs for healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers are crucial for effective prevention and response to GBV.

“The program will target the underlying causes of GBV, such as harmful gender stereotypes and social norms,” she declared.

Gogo commended Hon. Fatuma and Dr. Obara for their robust advocacy and presence, illustrating that united women leaders can drive meaningful change.

“Together, these leaders exemplify the commitment to ensuring safety, equality, and opportunity for all. Asumbi will remember this day as a significant milestone in progress and empowerment, and we must break the silence and stand united against all forms of violence,” Gogo concluded.

Changing the image of the Kenya Utalli College as Africa’s best hospitality and tourism institution

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By Sandra Blessing

The Africa’s leading hospitality and tourism institution, the Kenya Utalli has rolled out various programs aimed ensuring the country’s readiness to a 5 million tourist mark

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Ogendi said the institution has developed strategies not only to make remain center of excellence in tourism and hospitality but to make it also financially viable and stable.
He said the institution has embarked on the creation of organic farming, to produce vegetables, poultry, milk to make it self-sufficient and reduce the cost.

“In the Social Corporate responsibility, we have a program, Mathare Future ready project where Mathare and Ruaraka constituencies will benefit from training slots to the residence in hospitality,” he said.

Ogendi said the institution was seeking to enhance language pruriency in German , French, Spanish , Japanese, Chinese and Italians for the students.

“ We are enhancing customer service to government institution. And to the airports to improve on handling of tourists and customers,” he said.

The CEO said the institution has become In readiness for the five million tourism target from 2025-2027

He said the recently concluded KAHC and KATA conventions highlighted areas that the institution needed to act on as the leading Premier institution in hospitality and training:

: Partnership and collaborative approach to developing areas that will help reach the 5M tourists in Kenya and use of available resources to train the students

The need for capacity building for the industry through refresher courses and management development programs (MDPs)

Clear unity and once voice from all the training institutions to meet and agree on the minimum standards

Training needs assessment from the industry perspective.

Use of technology and digital learning to enhance upgrading of skills for the working class who may not get time to attend physical classes,” he said.

The CEO said the College has emerged as a center for capacity building for the industry.

“Through well designed industry based programs, the College organizes targeted courses aimed at addressing skills gaps in the industry. Currently, the global labor market is a huge skills gap, the college industry based courses are handy in alleviating the manpower shortage. The courses target both junior and managerial staff,” he said

He said by the virtue of the curriculum having been designed along the Swiss model considered the best hospitality curriculum in the world, Kenya Utalli College offers internationally recognized hospitality education.

He said Swiss hospitality and tourism training is anchored on Technical and Vocational model training model which emphasizes technical skills fused with soft skills.

He explained that the students are exposed to a curriculum that prioritizes practical approach to training with the latter constituting sixty five percent and theory thirty five percent.

Given the practically oriented, hands-on graduates, the alumni of Utalli are very popular among local and international employers. Our graduates are spread across the globe where they work in high end hotels and premier airlines and cruise ships.

“Accordingly, the graduates meet the international standards. Employers find them plug and play due to their ability to function in diverse work environments.

When Jersey Island experienced acute labor shortage, the College graduates came in handy to fill the gap. Islands recruiter and labor solutions agency the GR8 was tasked to recruit the graduates of the College to go and work on the Channel Island.

What was described as seasonal labor arrangement has metamorphosed into permanent status for Kenyan professionals, a testament of the quality Utalli graduates” he said

An Organization calls for protection of Youths from police brutality

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By Habil Onyango

There has been a noticeable increase in incidents of police brutality, arbitrary arrests during demonstrations, discrimination against marginalised groups—including persons with disabilities and individuals belonging to gender minorities—and systemic barriers to accessing justice.

This situation persists despite the establishment of a robust legal framework aimed at the protection of rights under the 2010 Constitution, as enforcement remains inconsistent.

Dr. David Rabuor, the Director of Community Action for Health and Development (CAHED), has called upon the judiciary to enhance accessibility, particularly for grassroots communities.

“It is imperative for state actors to fully implement the National Action Plan on Human Rights, ensure independent oversight of security forces, and expand civic education to empower rights holders across all counties in Kenya,” he stated.

Dr. Rabuor highlighted the alarming trend of youth fatalities occurring at the hands of law enforcement, emphasising that very few of these cases have resulted in justice through the judicial system.

During a Youth Conference focusing on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG), he further noted the widening disconnect between elected officials and their constituents, particularly among the youth, which poses a significant threat to representative governance in Kenya.

He elaborated that this disconnect is particularly evident within the devolved governance system, where concerns regarding the functionality, inclusivity, and responsiveness of institutions remain, despite considerable progress in establishing democratic frameworks.

Dr. Rabuor identified several critical gaps, including low civic literacy among youth, superficial engagement in policymaking processes, and the limited incorporation of youth-led initiatives into county development frameworks.

“As CAHED and other stakeholders, we call upon national and county governments to institutionalise mechanisms for youth engagement, strengthen public participation, and adhere to democratic principles without intimidation or repression,” Dr. Rabuor asserted.

He also pointed out that the governance landscape in the country is challenged by significant issues related to public accountability, corruption, and limited transparency in public service delivery.

During the conference, it was observed that youth frequently remain marginalised in county decision-making processes, despite representing the majority demographic.

Participants advocated for enhanced inter-agency collaboration, increased budget transparency, and expanded investment in governance capacity building specifically targeted at youth.

Furthermore, participants urged the Auditor General and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to improve their visibility and responsiveness to public grievances, particularly in under-resourced counties such as Homa Bay.

Senior Chief Bob Lang’o, representing the County Commissioner, urged youth to address their differences responsibly, even in interactions with law enforcement, and to refrain from resorting to violence.

He also encouraged security personnel to exercise patience when engaging with young individuals to prevent injuries and to guide them appropriately.

“Without peace and security, we cannot achieve economic progress. I urge our youth to refrain from engaging in activities that could be detrimental to our country,” he stated.

This conference was convened in the context of ongoing demonstrations by youth across the country regarding alleged abductions and fatalities of their peers at the hands of police.

The event gathered representatives from the County Commissioner’s Office, the Judiciary, Gender Affairs, and the Department of Youth Affairs from Homa Bay.

CAHED operates at grassroots, national, and global levels, focusing on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, striving to ensure that opportunities are made available to youth through awareness and enlightenment.

Luo community politics beyond 2027, the emergence of three tiers of leadership

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Anderson Ojwang

Bethuel Oduo

As the Luo community look at their political horizon, a discussion around the community’s fate beyond 2027 becomes inevitable to some observers.

Borrowing a historical remark made Peter Anyumba Chairman Gor Mahia FC in 1973, he said: “As long as Luo Women continue giving birth to boys, Gor Mahia shall never die.” The club had been involved in what some contestants thought was not a free and fair election process. It caused a serious division when some dissatisfied officials and star players left to revive Luo Union FC (later renamed Reunion FC). Anyumba sent emissaries back to ‘Pacho dala’ with instructions to go and recruit talented boys to come and rescue the club. This happened and fresh legs arrived in Nairobi by OTC bus the following day. 52 years later, Gor Mahia FC is today not only a community but juggernaut football club that draws players and fans from across the country.

Anyumba’s assertion can be used to describe the situation the Luo community finds itself today. With 2027 in mind and Raila Odinga is slowly giving away the baton, the debate rages around who the possible successors are.

The post 2027 era presents the Luo community with a unique and a new political precedent that will usher a new socio-economic and political dispensation.

From being a politically active community, the Luo are entering into a new interesting era of socio-economic and political moment that is aimed at transforming the region as the new tiger.

Currently at the apex of the Luo leadership is the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who inherited the throne from his father, the late doyen of opposition  politics Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

But currently, the community is developing other two tiers of leadership as it repositions itself for the future.

The first tier is the hands of Raila while the second tier which is driven by the economics and viewed as the community propeller into the future is held by former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju and former Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Odhiambo Kidero.

The duo are viewed to hold the community key in championing  the  new economic dispensation going by their innovative business and leadership acumen.

Tuju and Kidero  are the community heart beat to the new economic dispensation and are risk takers and shrewd in investments and business management .

The third tier holds the future leaders who will ultimately lead the community to presidency in the future. They are a group of young and enterprising politicians, who through the mentorship of Raila, Tuju and Kidero, are likely to carry the community expectations into the future.

The third tier is made up of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, PS Dr Ray Omollo, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MP Babu Owino, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, MP Sam Atandi, Otiende Amollo, Health Permanent Secretary  Dr  Ouma Oluga, Dr Pamela Odhiambo, and LSK President Faith Odhiambo.

In the tier, present the community with a choice of a possible presidential candidate and possible community leaders both at the county and national levels.

In the second tier remains critical to the community in its phase of the new dispensation and that it is why for Tuju and Kidero with the support of Raila, the community destination rests on their hands.

Tuju and Kidero are smooth and shrewd operators and are capable of anchoring the community to the next economic dispensation of food security, independence, manufacturing and thriving business enterprises.

Tuju and Kidero’s experiences in business and management will propel the community into a new era and could translate into an economic moment for the Luo.

With the possible absence of a Luo presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, the duo focus should now shift to economic emancipation  and liberation.

In their wisdom, Tuju and Kidero should mentor the third tier to produce a future presidential candidate to fulfil the community dream.

Dr Raymond Omollo: The Internal Security Permanent Secretary has curved himself a niche as a good administrator and has been effective in his service to President William Ruto.

His Empowerment Initiative has received positive ratings from the community and this has been a game changer. He is quite but very calculative and strategic.

Faith Odhiambo: Within a short time, she has shown her mettle and courage in front of adversity putting the society where it was during the fight for second liberation. Kenyans can’t remember the last time they saw an LSK leader visiting a police station to seek justice for victims until she arrived. The last time it happened was during the Paul Muite era as the Young Turks confronted Moi’s brutality. Other presidents have blown hot and cold whenever courage is required. Faith should be declared ‘Woman of the Year 2025’ in advance.

Governor Gladys Wanga is a good getter, good mobiliser and a risk taker. She has made history as the first female governor from Western Kenya and currently the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National chairperson. Wanga has developed serious political networks in and out of the country that would in future support her political agenda

Babu Owino : The Kisumu Boys alumni is a no walker over in the Kenya’s politics. He is one of the first rising opinion shapers in the country . His election as member of parliament in Nairobi, has given him the national image. He is a good mobiliser and crowd puller.

Otiende Amolo: His record as a sober and astute leader explains itself. If there is a somebody who will inherit the moniker ‘Walking Constitution’ from James Orengo, it is SC Paul Otiende Amolo. His calm demeanor and sober approach to issues even under intense pressure is admirable. This is a politician who is rarely carried away by empty rhetoric, picks his words carefully and doesn’t use village epithets to describe his adversaries. When Otiende speaks he sticks to the facts at hand and rarely follows his opponents to the pigsty a tact that ironically excites political audiences. His inability to confront is sometimes mistaken for weakness in a business that most often than not calls for bare knuckle fights.

John Mbadi: Very good at returning fire with fire as seen during his political campaign rallies. ‘Nyang’ as he is popularly known is a gifted Dholuo speaker, a skill he exploits very well to appeal to his supporters. A master of witty verbal revenge, Mbadi is the kind of leader any political formation would love to have in their corner when waiting for toxic opponents. This attribute places him in the anchor pack when the baton is finally handed over in near future. Dont be mistaken, Mbadi knows how to defend his turf by putting up the face of a career corporate leader as exhibited when dealing with complex official matters as CS Treasury. Mbadi can represent very well in a Bunge la Wananchi debate as much as he can do in a World Bank boardroom in New York. Watch his future as a community kingpin.

Sally Bolo: Gor Mahia FC Vice Chair. The steady rise of this unknown lady calls for a mention amongst women who have a future in the politics of Luo Nyanza. Daughter of a military officer, Sally knows and understands the trenches where grassroot mobilization is required. Where else can one get such experience if not in the Gor Mahia FC ‘Russia stands’ where she graduated from being a loyal fan, fanatic, die-hard supporter to being an official who sits on the board. She has operated in many activities that require only the highly spirited to survive. When it comes to the list of rising women politicians in the Luo Community, she is definitely on that roll no wonder her name is mentioned for Langata Constituency 2027. Sally is the epitome of boldness coupled with lots of street wisdom having been born, bred and brought up in Nairobi.

Prof Pamela Odhiambo: Former Women Rep Migori County. Pamela comes out as a sober minded politician who cannot hurt a fly an attribute that can be negative in Kenya’s political space where at times one must declare “wakirusha tuna Rusha.” A good and eloquent speaker whose role can only be relevant where sobriety is a pre-requisite. Pamela has the advantage of being amongst the few noticeable women leaders in Migori County that can be counted. If she stops playing victim, be her own person and put on her boxing gloves she can go places without waiting to be propped up by unseen forces.   

Dr Fred Ouma Oluga: the current PS in the Ministry of Health is an eloquent and confident national leader whose potential is clearly noticeable. His prominence emerged when he handled the KPMDU docket as a fiery unionist, qualities required for Kenyan politics. A stint with Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) saw his hand in the way medical services in ‘Kanjo’ health centers were suddenly improved. As we wait to evaluate his performance in the sensitive ministry, it is evident that Daktari acquitted himself long ago as a bright star who can anchor the forthcoming relay race that is Baba’s succession come 2027 and beyond.

Opiyo Wandayi: He has grown the  ranks from Jaramogi Odinga youth leader to being Raila’s trusted lieutenant. He is brave and good orator. Wandayi is seen as one of the first rising leaders from the community and his cabinet appointment is  pointer to the growing influence nationally.

Sam Atandi: Atandi is seen as strong willed and a brave leader.. He is a schemer and has the potential to turn himself into the national platform. He is strategic and knows how to play his politics

It’s Not Teargas, It’s the Fragrance of Change

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By Billy Mijungu

The past week has reminded Kenyans of an uncomfortable truth: the distance between governance and tyranny is measured by just one misguided command. When Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called for a shoot to kill response to protests, he didn’t just misspeak; he undermined every sacrifice made in Kenya’s long march toward democracy.

In a constitutional republic, the police are entrusted with the solemn duty to protect life, safeguard freedoms, and uphold the dignity of every citizen. Not to kill. Not to suppress. And certainly not to serve as instruments of political vengeance. Any state officer, no matter how high ranking, must never advocate violence as a means of crowd control. That is not leadership. That is desperation.

History has taught us, painfully, that violence only delays justice. It is tempting, of course, to build political narratives on the backs of broken bodies and silenced voices. But it never lasts. The young generation in the streets today, waving placards and national flags, armed only with hope and hashtags, are not criminals. They are citizens. Their voices are not noise; they are the soundtrack of change.
And it is change that smells in the air, not teargas.

Today, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Central finds himself entangled in a political web that may ruin his career for actions and plans he likely did not design. This should be a warning to every police officer: the road to hell is often paved with orders blindly followed. The police service is not a political militia. It is a disciplined, professional institution. And professionalism demands restraint, not recklessness.

Murkomen must apologise. Not because he is weak, but because it is the honourable thing to do. Apologise and step back. Let the police do their job according to the law, not political hysteria. Kenya is still healing from past wounds. We must not allow the ghosts of yesteryears, when citizens feared uniforms and democracy lived in exile, to return.

Let’s not forget: there was once an ICC case in Kenya. Words carry consequences. Commands echo through time. And sometimes, history does not forgive.

So, to every Kenyan out there protesting peacefully, march on. To the police officer who believes in the oath they took, hold the line. And to our leaders, if you cannot smell the fragrance of change, maybe you have been in the corridors of power too long.

A New Chapter at Afreximbank: Dr. George Elombi Named Next President and Chairman of the Board

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By Kepher Otieno

In a strategic leadership transition set to mark a new era for African trade and economic development, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the appointment of Dr. George Elombi as its next President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

His appointment will take effect in September 2025.

The decision, made by the Bank’s shareholders, signals continuity and confidence in internal leadership, with Dr. Elombi—an accomplished Cameroonian national—bringing nearly three decades of institutional experience to the helm.

Having joined Afreximbank in 1996, Dr. Elombi has risen through the organization’s ranks, most recently serving as Executive Vice President in charge of Governance, Legal, and Corporate Services.

He succeeds Professor Benedict Oramah, who has served as President since 2015. Under Prof. Oramah’s tenure, Afreximbank experienced significant growth, deepened its continental footprint, and became a pivotal force in shaping Africa’s trade and economic sovereignty.

Dr. Elombi is widely regarded as an architect of the Bank’s institutional and legal framework. His tenure has been marked by a strong commitment to expanding Afreximbank’s capital base, navigating complex regulatory environments, and spearheading high-stakes crisis response initiatives across Africa and the Caribbean.

These include key contributions to the Bank’s pandemic-era interventions, the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and policy reforms to boost intra-African trade.

His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the continent, where challenges like global supply chain disruptions, climate risks, and capital access disparities continue to impact economic resilience.

Stakeholders view Dr. Elombi’s legal acumen, strategic insight, and long-standing dedication to Afreximbank’s mission as essential for the Bank’s next growth phase.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Elombi reflected on the gravity and promise of his new role, stating.

“I see Afreximbank as a force for industrialising Africa and for regaining the dignity of Africans wherever they are.”

With his appointment, Afreximbank is poised to deepen its impact as a pan-African institution, championing the continent’s transformation through innovative financing, policy advocacy, and trade development.

About Afreximbank:

Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution with a mandate to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. Since its establishment in 1993, the Bank has been at the forefront of efforts to accelerate Africa’s economic integration and industrial transformation.

My Statement on Conditions for the Use of Firearms by Police Officers

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“I have seen debates, reactions, and expressions regarding my recent statement on the use of firearms by police officers.

My statement was made contextually and consciously with clarity of mind based on the express provisions of the law. No leader, scholar, jurist, journalist, blogger, or opinion shaper has challenged me on the law. At my age, position, and experience, I cannot utter statements that are not supported by the Constitution and the law. Throughout my career, I have never, in my conduct or utterances, found myself on the wrong side of the law.

Indeed the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act, in Paragraph B(1), provides the conditions for use of firearms by the Police as follows:

  1. Protecting the lives of officers or civilians
  2. Self-defence against imminent threats of death or serious injury
  3. Property protection through justified force
  4. Preventing the escape of felony suspects from lawful custody

I ask all those who are spreading misinformation, disinformation, and fake news to challenge me on the law.
Those who are saying I issued an order to the police should show where the order is. A mere restatement of the law as it exists cannot amount to giving an order to the police.

The Police are mandated by law to operate within the constitutional framework, the statutes, and the departmental standing orders. In any case, I have no constitutional powers to give such orders; instead, I have a duty to support the police and to formulate policy recommendations to aid the application of law in the enforcement of law and order.

Our police officers who are attacked by robbers, rioters, and arsonists—who have torched police stations, stolen rifles, burnt suspects alive, and burnt property worth millions of shillings, including courts —cannot be left helpless when they have been given the authority by the Constitution and the law to defend themselves, the citizens, and their property.

The law is in black and white.”

How an Empowerment Initiative Organization has rewritten the story of 3500 widows in Nyanza

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By Reporter

Every rainy season has been a constant worry to widow Rose Abuya.

Despite the rainy seasons being viewed by the community as good omen that is expected to bring bumper harvest, for Abiya it’s all pain .

The pain as a result of her delipiated house that exposes the family to rain and subsequently makes her house inhabitable.

Widowed with five children and no steady income to enable her construct a new house. Abuya was resigned to fate

But where there is faith and hope , God miracle usually happen and indeed recently , she is a testimony .

A fortnight ago, lady luck danced her way when she least expected.

An organization, Widows Empowerment Program built her a new house and fully furnished it with household items.

A member of the Kuja Nyokal Widows Group in North Sakwa Ward in Awendo, Migori County, Abuya became among hundreds of beneficiaries of the new widows’ empowerment initiative.

“I had lost hope of ever owning a decent house after the death of my husband. I am grateful because I now know that widows are valued and appreciated in the society,” Abuya said

Abuya is among the widows who face cultural stigma and discrimination that is common after the death of a husband .

Discrimination and forcible land and property acquisitions by in laws upon the husband’s death are some of the challenges widows from Nyanza region have come across.

Her predicament is well described by Damaris Akello Odeny of Rang’wena Widows Group in Homa Bay Town who narrates the sad ordeal widows undergo.

“We are getting disinherited because we are widows and do not have anyone to speak for us. In the worst scenarios we are even getting accused of being behind the death of our husbands,” says Damaris.

She narrates how stigma associated with HIV and AIDS is stalking widowed women in all facets of the society. “You cannot till your land, or repair your broken house. When you’re a widow, your advice or contribution is not important anywhere because you’re there to be seen and not heard.”

The program’s coordinator Victor Ayugi said the initiative was keen to narrow the gender gaps in education, business, training, and employment believes empowerment of women is an integral part of the development of the country.

“It deepens social and economic justice, amplifies their self-confidence and defines women’s ability to influence crucial decisions,” he said.

“We must therefore work towards exploiting women’s untapped potential by creating safe spaces for them,” he added.

“We select the groups by doing a pre-visit based on the illegible registered certificates they own and the type of activities they indulge in that help them in their daily endeavors and make them fit in the society just like any other person,” said Ayugi.

According to the initiative’s officials, the program targets three widows’ groups per ward across the Nyanza region. So far, according to the program’s coordinator, over 3,500 widows have benefitted from the move.

Ayugi said the concerns they want to be addressed include discrimination and stigma.

Other notable challenges that the widows are facing, which the program is seeking to address include inadequate shelter, issues around wife inheritance, and the right to own land. He said that most widows still face a lot of challenges despite being married lawfully.

“Customary law demands that widows should marry one of the brothers of the deceased for them to survive. A refusal often leads to all manner of persecutions and other forms of blackmail,” he said.

Ayugi said the Nyanza Widows Empowerment program was interested in rescuing widows who are living in extreme poverty through the implementation of initiatives that can transform their lot.

“We introduce them to various income-generating activities that remove them out of the dependency syndrome to independent livelihood,” he said.

Through the program whose founder is the Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, widows’ groups are provided with finance to support undertakings such as table banking, agribusiness amongst others.

Women in Kenya are today facing significant bias in the ownership and control of land owing to the deeply ingrained patriarchal system prevalent in many communities.

Access to finance, food, and water for women is directly tied to their access to land. Ownership and control of land among women surpasses access and encompasses the ability to decide whether to sell, use it for financing, and cultivate it. As of 2021, 12.4% of females were still excluded from financial services, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of women’s land ownership disparity. Given that women make up 50.3% of Kenya’s population, excluding them from land ownership impacts the country’s economic performance.

The 2022 KDHS report reveals that 75% and 93% of women do not own agricultural and non-agricultural land, respectively, an increase from 2014 when only 61.3% of women did not own any land in Kenya. Among women who owned land in 2022, 62% and 44% did not have a title deed on agricultural and non-agricultural land, respectively.

Further, data from the Kenya Land Alliance (KLA) 2018 report shows that only 10% of the 3 million title deeds processed by the government between 2013 and 2017 were issued to women. This is a possible explanation for the widening gap of women who do not own land in Kenya between 2014 and 2022.

Titus Midega, a property rights lawyer notes that in many rural communities in Kenya, widows are still being discriminated against, evicted, and disinherited from their matrimonial lands. He explains that despite the existing legal frameworks to promote property and land ownership among women in Kenya, many women do not own any kind of land.

“The cost and process of obtaining justice is expensive and long, often not being afforded by women. The ones who succeed in the process are stigmatised by community members,” notes Midega.

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