By Sandra Blessing

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in a bid to rewrite the story of Nyanza from a predominantly opposition and marginalised region to an accommodative and significant player in the government, has passed over the baton to governors.

In pursuit of this, Raila first entered into a political merger with President Daniel Arap Moi’s KANU party through his now defunct National Development Party.

From KANU, Raila became an integral part of the NARC coalition that drove KANU out of power after Mwai Kibaki defeated Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2002 presidential election.

However, a fall-out brought Nyanza back to the opposition, and in 2007 ushered in the coalition government, with Kibaki as President and Raila as Prime Minister.

In 2013, Raila lost the presidential election to Uhuru, and Nyanza was again confined to the opposition. Come the 2017 election, Uhuru returned to power.

After the elections, however, Uhuru entered into a political handshake with Raila, and once again, Nyanza became significant in government.

Raila, in most of his speeches, promised that he would not leave Nyanza in the opposition, even after losing the 2022 presidential election to William Ruto.

The region was once again out of government, with impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claiming that the government was for shareholders—those who voted for President Ruto in the last general election.

However, Nyanza’s stay in the opposition was short-lived with the formation of the broad-based government that brought Ruto and Raila together.

The formation of the broad-based government faced opposition from within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and externally from the opposition, who viewed the alliance as a betrayal.

But ODM National Chairperson, Gladys Wanga, became one of the fiercest supporters and openly differed with and advocated for the broad-based government.

Wanga, the Homa Bay Governor, took advantage of the emerging political moment to lobby for development projects from the national government for her county.

A combined effort between Wanga and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo opened the county to a tray full of government development goodies.

With the appointment of John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Economic Planning, the trio has transformed Homa Bay from a sleepy county to an economically vibrant and visible region.

The recently held Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay Town opened up the region to economic investments and witnessed serious infrastructural development from the national government.

Wanga said it was important to complement county development projects with national development projects to achieve the desired objectives.

“Our people are taxpayers and deserve their fair share of development. It is incumbent upon us as county leaders under the Constitution to cooperate with the national government to get this share, our political position notwithstanding.

The working relationship brought about by the broad-based arrangement has, however, helped make this possible,” she said.

On several occasions, Wanga has openly differed with Party Secretary Edwin Sifuna and others opposed to the broad-based government.

Wanga has repeatedly maintained that the party was rightfully working with the government and that they would not engage in street demonstrations or demonising the government.

“Jakom, a time like this last year, we were on the streets protesting for a better Kenya, but we were told that we were destroying the country’s economy and that we should desist from demos.

They wondered and asked why we were ever protesting.

Now they are asking why Raila is quiet, they are asking why Wanga is silent.

I want to tell them: we are not going to the streets. We are not going for any demos.

Let them go to the streets. Let them pick up from where we left off. We cannot afford to be a protesting community all the time.

This time, as a community, we are not going to the streets. We are supporting the government of the day to deliver on its mandate.

We will support the leader who wants to unite Kenya and distribute the national cake equitably.

It is time we concentrated on development and tapped into the opportunities the government is bringing our way. We have been marginalised for a long time,” she said.

Sifuna has maintained that ODM will not support President Ruto and will continue to correct the government where necessary.

“I want to say here, that when some of our members are busy drinking milk in the government and do not want us to point out the bad things in the government, as your Secretary-General, I will not hesitate to point out the wrongs in the government.

I will ensure that the party remains true to the ideals it was founded, and I will follow the guidelines you gave to me.

Let those who are enjoying honey from the government do so on their own accord, but as a party, I will not hesitate to point out the ills,” he said.

But currently, Siaya Governor James Orengo, who was initially opposed to the broad-based government, recently led a delegation from the county and returned with a tray full of goodies.

From the State House, Orengo has been traversing various government offices holding consultations over development projects.

Orengo wrote in his X handle:
“I had a successful meeting with the CS Ministry of Defence to discuss implementation of the presidential directive on development projects in Siaya County,”

Equally, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’’ Nyong’o, after his recent visit to State House, wrote in his X handle:

“Today marks a monumental day for Kisumu County!

I had the immense privilege of leading a dedicated delegation comprising our Members of Parliament, County Executives, esteemed clergy, and professionals to State House for a crucial meeting with H.E. President William Samoei Ruto.

Our discussions centred entirely on accelerating the development agenda for Kisumu, and I’m thrilled to share the incredible outcomes.

I extend my deepest gratitude to President Ruto for his unwavering commitment and positive reception to our proposals.

His dedication to Kisumu’s growth was evident through a series of transformative pledges that will undoubtedly reshape our county’s future.”

By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga presided over the graduation of 526 youths under the Genowa Fundi Mang’ula Vocational Scholarship Programme, an initiative aimed at providing the graduates with practical skills.

The graduates, who enrolled in the programme last year, undertook training in various fields including vehicle repairs, plumbing, fashion and design, welding, cooking, hairdressing, masonry, and electrical work.

The programme was co-sponsored by the Homa Bay County Government and the Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation, at a total cost of Sh 24 million.

Wanga said the programme’s goal was to equip the county’s youth with skills for self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

“This programme was not about producing job seekers; but it was about nurturing a new generation of job creators, skilled professionals who can support themselves, uplift others, and build the county’s economic base.

By cultivating talent at the grassroots level, we are bridging the skills gap and unlocking the unique potential of each ward to help establish a thriving, self-sustaining producer county. Together, we are shaping a future powered by skilled hands and bold dreams,” she said.

She added that the programme was grounded in the belief that young people, when equipped with relevant skills, can drive innovations, power local industries, and support the country’s economic transformation.

Among the graduates, 164 top performers have been fully equipped to start working immediately.

“We are not sending you to a congested job market; we are releasing you into the community as solution providers.

With your skills, you are going to construct homes, fix machines, power households, knit school uniforms, and drive local production. Each of you has a role in shaping the future of Homa Bay,” she said.

She said her government had embarked on upgrading VTC structures and enhancing the learning environment.

“New workshops are currently under construction in Kanyaluo and Ketora. Additionally, the enrolment of students will expand from 15 to 20 per ward in the next intake,” she explained.

Accompanying her were Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, Speaker Polycarp Okomo, County Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo, KCB Homa Bay Branch Manager Dorothy Omollo, as well as other executive members and MCAs.

Magwanga encouraged the graduates to be innovative and creative to start earning immediately. He urged them to join forces and form companies, enabling them to become employers rather than just employees.

“The skills you have earned are essential. In life, acquiring skills is more important than depending on handouts. The knowledge you have gained will serve you for your entire lifetime,” he advised the graduate.

Edited by Sandra Blessing.

By Anderson Ojwang

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Robert Ouko is set to be honoured by the government through the construction of a Kenya School of Government in his Nyahera Village.

The institution will be named after Ouko, who was murdered in 1990, and whose remains were discovered by a herder in Got Alila of Muhoroni Sub-county.

Similarly, President Ruto also agreed to support the elevation of Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT College) into a university, expanding access to higher education.

Riat Institute of Advanced Technology was established in 1971 through mobilisation of funds from the community, which were used to set up the initial infrastructure.

Goodies in Nyong’o’s basket included the gazetting of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital as a Level 6 Hospital, a move that will significantly enhance healthcare services for the people.

The allocation of Sh 1.3 billion towards the construction of the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Aquaculture Fisheries Project, a game-changer for the local economy and food security.

Fast-tracking the completion of critical infrastructure projects, including the Mamboleo–Miwani Road, Awasi–Katito Road, and Holo–Lela Road, which will improve connectivity and trade.

The setting aside of Sh 700 million to boost rice farming in Nyando Sub-county, empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural backbone.

The approval of the construction of additional affordable housing at Kanyakwar, ensuring more Kisumu residents have access to decent homes.

Progressing the Naivasha–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway through Kisumu, positioning the county as a key logistical hub.

Commitment of Sh 800 million towards the construction of a ferry at Kenya Shipyard Limited – Kisumu, enhancing lake transport and economic activities.

Supporting the construction of the Robert Ouko Kenya School of Government in Nyahera, a vital institution for capacity building.

Allocation of funds for the equipping of the modern Kisumu County Assembly, bolstering legislative capacity.

Provision of Sh 900 million for Last Mile Connectivity, bringing electricity to more households across the county.

Setting aside Sh 1.5 billion for miscellaneous spur roads, improving accessibility within communities.

Commitment of Sh 800 million towards the construction of Moi Stadium, a significant boost for sports and talent development.

Construction of five modern markets across the county, each valued at Sh 250 million to Sh 350 million. Completion of the Kisumu Air Control Tower, provision of Sh 500 million for the Kisumu Special Economic Zone, and the construction of the Data Surveillance Centre of Lake Victoria.

Ruto said peace and stability were key to the development and prosperity of Kenya and that he would continue to harness the country’s diversity.

“We are looking at the expansion of Kisumu County. We are now working on a new master plan for Kisumu County.

We have already completed a new air control facility, which cost the Kenya Government about Sh 3 billion, and the next time I am in Kisumu, I am going to launch it officially. It is done. We are looking at Kisumu as one of the hubs for the region.

We must enhance our working together. I have made the decision that nobody must be out for anybody to be in. We have enough as a nation to share, and this is why we formed a broad-based government for inclusivity,” he said.

Nyong’o wrote on his X handle:
“Today marks a monumental day for Kisumu County! I had the immense privilege of leading a dedicated delegation comprising our Members of Parliament, County Executives, esteemed clergy, and professionals to State House for a crucial meeting with H.E. President William Samoei Ruto.

Our discussions centred entirely on accelerating the development agenda for Kisumu, and I’m thrilled to share the incredible outcomes.

I extend my deepest gratitude to President Ruto for his unwavering commitment and positive reception to our proposals. His dedication to Kisumu’s growth was evident through a series of transformative pledges that will undoubtedly reshape our county’s future.”

Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu thanked the President for considering honouring Dr Ouko with a facility, which she termed a milestone.

“When we had a conversation, you committed that you are going to put up a Dr Ouko Kenya School of Government in his home ground in Nyahera.

We have had a discussion with the Governor, and surprisingly, he was of the same thought. On Saturday a team of architects and engineers will be in Nyahera to conduct a feasibility assessment of the area. I want to thank you for putting in Sh 200 million in that project,” she said.

Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, Mzee Odungi Randa, said the community will support the President and that he has demonstrated his commitment to work with the people of the lake.

“President Ruto has walked well with us. If he continues this way and works well with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, we will support him in his agenda,” he said.

Edited by Sandra Blessing

By Habil Onyango

Government Spokesman Dr Isaac Mwaura has urged Parliament to establish legislation that protects the right to protest.

He proposed that designated public spaces be allocated for such activities, allowing other Kenyans to carry on with their daily lives without interference.

In recent weeks, demonstrations in various parts of the country have led to the destruction of property and injuries, with some individuals sustaining gunshot wounds from the police and currently receiving treatment in hospitals.

“Parliament is encouraged to implement enabling legislation that safeguards the right to peaceful picketing by designating public spaces for these activities, while ensuring that other citizens can conduct their lawful business without obstruction,” stated Mwaura.

“This is how a mature democracy balances rights with responsibilities,” he added in a press release.

In light of recent confrontations between police and the public, Mwaura called for sobriety, calm, and restraint.
“We are a nation guided by the Constitution, which provides for the right to peaceful assembly and expression—rights that must be exercised responsibly,” he emphasised.

Mwaura expressed concern over an incident involving a police officer allegedly shooting a civilian, who is now recovering in hospital. He stated that such actions are unacceptable, and the Government is committed to conducting thorough investigations through the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

“Justice must be served, and accountability will be pursued according to the law,” he said.

He also noted troubling instances where some individuals engaged in unlawful behaviour by provoking police officers, insulting them, damaging property, and disrupting businesses.

“These actions do not reflect the spirit of genuine protest; they only serve to inflame tensions and endanger the lives of both civilians and police officers,” he warned.

“We must be clear: violence from any side is unacceptable. Our democracy permits dissent, but not disorder or disobedience. We must resist the temptation to respond to wrongs with further wrongs,” Mwaura added.

He urged all citizens to remain calm and allow relevant institutions, such as IPOA, the judiciary, and Parliament, to conduct their investigations independently and impartially.

The Government also called on political, civil society, and community leaders to promote peace, understanding, and open dialogue.

The Government further cautioned against political detractors who might exploit the situation for incitement or political gain.

“At such times, settling political scores at the expense of public peace is irresponsible and dangerous. True leadership demands responsibility and commitment to God and country,” he said.

“Let us protect the hard-won gains of our republic. Let us rise above division and recommit to the values that unite us as one nation under God, in the true spirit of nationhood and patriotism,” Mwaura advised.

Edited by Sandra Blessing

By Anderson Ojwang     

Trouble could be brewing at the Country’s national broadcasting, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) after it emerged that the Managing Director could have been in office illegally and the Board may disregard the Court, and the Board may be in contempt of the Court.

In June 2024, in a ruling by Nakuru High Court Judge Justice Muhochi Samwel Mukira  gave a conservatory order which barred Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors listed in the petition from assuming office until the case was finalized.

KBC Managing Director Agnes Kelekye Nguna was one of those listed in the petition but in November 2024, the Board of Directors appointed her to the post in total disregard to the ruling.

Similarly, the Board approved five months payments for her delayed assumption of office, which is yet to be affected after Audit queries were raised on the issue.

And now the appointment has raised both the audit and legal queries at the Corporation, with the Board, members reading from a different script over the matter.

Interestingly, the appeal against the conservatory order issued by the Nakuru High Court has also been dismissed by the Appeal Court in a ruling delivered on 23^rd May 2025 by Judges Justice M Gachoka,,  Justice W. Korir and Justice J. Mativo.

“There is no doubt that the high court had the requisite jurisdiction to issue the conservatory orders.

It has not demonstrated to  to our satisfaction how the learned judges exercised his  his discretion or misdirected himself in law.

We find that the appellants and the respondents in support of the appeals did not demonstrate how the learned judge in exercise of his misapprehended the facts.

The appellants failed to demonstrate that the learned judge took into account irrelevant matters or failed to take account of relevant considerations.

Lastly, it was not demonstrated that the learned judge’s exercise of his discretion, is plainly wrong.

Having arrived at the above findings, the inevitable conclusion is that these consolidated appeals are devoid of merit and are hereby dismissed since this is a matter of public interest, the parties will bear their own costs,” they ruled.

In one of the recent Internal Communication to the Managing Director, the status of her position and the emerging legal issues.

In the communication seen by the writer read in parts “Compensation for the managing director due to delayed assumption of office.

While approved by the Board, it has emerged that critical legal and procedural facts were not fully disclosed, including:

The appointment of KBC MD among others, was contested in court of law, hence the MD’S reporting was delayed by slightly over 5 months.

Can the legal department advise whether there was a ruling clearing the KBCMD to assume office in November 2024.

Further to the above, can the legal department advice on the implication of the court of appeal ruling on the MD’S position in the Corporation.

There was an acting Md who was being paid on the same position.

It is not clear on which basis the Board recommended a one of gross emoluments budget based on the current renumeration of the KBCMD.

Given these legal complexities, I recommend that this matter be deferred pending a formal legal opinion from the legal department, supported by precedents from Public Service Commission and, if needed, the Attorney General office,” it read in parts.

The MD when contacted for comment referred us to the Attorney General office.

“Refer this to the AG’’s office who is representing KBC in this suit” she wrote.

But interestingly, a letter by a law firm of Nyameta, Mogaka and Magiya Company advocates addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation captioned: Re Brief on court of appeal matters.

“The judgement on the above matter was delivered 23^rd May 2025.

The court dismissed the appeals without costs since it is a public interest matter.

This means that we have to go back to the high court and take directions of the court however, as you may recall, the matter was pending judgement before the high court and therefore it’s likely that once the mention date is fixed the court will fix a new date for judgement,” it read in parts.

From the above, the emerging issues is that did the board act in defiance of the court and was in total contempt to appoint the Managing Director?

Has the Managing Director been in the office illegally and if so, why did the board disregard or fail to seek legal opinion from the legal department and the attorney general office?

Why did the Board approve payment for delayed assumption of office when the court had given a conservatory order and who failed to disclose the true status of the MD position and why?

EDITED BY: HOPE BARBRA

By Habil Onyango

Upon taking office in 2022, Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga implemented a cashless revenue collection system, prohibiting traditional cash transactions.

This initiative aimed to enhance revenue collection, improve accountability, and curb tax-related corruption in the region, fulfilling a promise to streamline revenue mapping, collection, and management as one of her top priorities.

The cashless plan was part of Governor Wanga’s objectives during her first 100 days in office, following the establishment of a Revenue Board and a fact-finding exercise conducted by a task force on revenue.

“Through the Cashless Plan, I am optimistic that we will achieve our target of collecting 1 billion shillings or more every year,” Wanga stated during the programme’s launch.

As promised, the new system has put the county on track to meet its annual collection target of Ksh. 1 billion, making this goal increasingly attainable.

In the previous financial year 2022/23, Homa Bay County collected a total of Ksh. 553.74 million. Under Wanga’s administration, this figure has risen to Ksh. 1.04 billion, according to the Controller of the Budget’s report for the 2024/25 fiscal year.

In the 2022/23 fiscal year, the total collection for Homa Bay included Ksh. 159.56 million under Own Source Revenue (OSR), excluding health-related funds, and another Ksh. 394 million classified as Appropriation in Aid (AIA) and the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) in the health sector.

By the end of the financial year on 31 March 2025, total revenue collection had increased to Ksh. 1.04 billion, approaching the target of Ksh. 1.48 billion.

According to the report, during the 2024/25 fiscal year, the County generated Ksh. 1.04 billion from its various revenue sources, reflecting a 12 per cent increase compared to the Ksh. 927.23 million generated during the same period in FY 2023/24.

This amount accounted for 70 per cent of the annual target and 19.3 per cent of the equitable revenue share disbursed.

The total OSR collection for the fiscal year under review comprises Ksh. 753.15 million from Facilities Improvement Financing (FIF) and Ksh. 285.54 million from OSR excluding health.

According to Professor Margaret Nyakango’s report, Homa Bay County’s approved Gross Budget for FY 2024/25 stands at Ksh. 11.88 billion.

This budget includes Ksh. 4.21 billion (35 per cent) allocated for development programmes and Ksh. 7.67 billion (65 per cent) for recurrent expenditure.

This budget reflects a 6 per cent increase from the FY 2023/24 estimates, which included a development budget of Ksh. 3.51 billion and a recurrent budget of Ksh. 7.66 billion, with a target of Ksh. 1.48 billion (13 per cent) generated as gross OSR.

The health sector AIA/FIF remains the highest revenue contributor, accounting for Ksh. 753.15 million, making up 72 per cent of total OSR receipts.

Other sources of revenue include the Single Business Permit, which generated 7 per cent of total OSR (Ksh. 69.86 million), while revenue from bricks, sand, murram, and stones yielded Ksh. 37.15 million (5 per cent).

Bus park fees contributed Ksh. 37.15 million (4 per cent), while market dues generated Ksh. 30.36 million.

Additionally, Ksh. 21.98 million (2 per cent) was collected from other cess income, and miscellaneous income accounted for Ksh. 20.62 million (2 per cent).

Income from kiosks and stall rents generated Ksh. 6.99 million (1 per cent), with other sources bringing in Ksh. 47.07 million (4 per cent).

The budget was financed from the following revenue sources: an equitable share of nationally raised revenue totalling Ksh. 8.44 billion (71 per cent), additional allocations and conditional grants of Ksh. 1.83 billion (15 per cent), and equalisation funds of Ksh. 128.60 million (1 per cent).

Of its OSR, Ksh. 981.07 million was to be generated from AIA and the FIF (revenue from health facilities), while Ksh. 501.74 million was ordinary own-source revenue.

“The County managed to achieve 70 per cent of its gross OSR target for the 2024/25 fiscal year,” the report states. “This increase in revenue is attributed to the automation of all revenue streams by the County Government,” the report concludes.