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Homa Bay speaker’s election is scheduled for this Thursday as lobbying intensifies

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Gladys Wanga

By Habil Onyango

The scramble and lobbying for the vacant position of Homa Bay Speaker’s seat has begun in earnest, with two lawyers expressing interest.

Sources have also intimated to Western Insight that a County Executive Committee (CEC) member is said to be interested in the seat and is viewed as the ideal candidate for the county government. Several high-profile meetings have been held to map out strategies for the next Speaker, with the CEC reportedly enjoying the support of a majority of top government officers in the county.

Those who have already declared interest include Nairobi advocate Ngala Odhoch and former Head of Protocol for the immediate former Governor Cyprian Awiti, Mr Apollo.

The seat fell vacant following the resignation of Speaker Julius Gaya to avoid impeachment by members of the County Assembly.

The main contest will pit High Court advocate Ngala Odhoch, popularly known as “Tsunami”, against the former Chief of Protocol in the office of the former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, Mr John Apollo.

Ngala and Apollo are no strangers to the political arena, having vied for the Karachuonyo and Suba South parliamentary seats, respectively. Apollo also tried his luck in the Homa Bay Assembly Speaker’s race in 2022 but lost to the second Speaker, Elizabeth See, in a hotly contested election, falling short by just one vote.

The seat has already been declared vacant, and a fresh election is scheduled for this Thursday, 21 November 2024. Gaya, who served as the third Speaker of the Assembly, tendered his resignation to the Assembly Acting Clerk, Hannington Abeka Day.

“It is notified for the information of the general public, that under the provisions of Section 21(5)(d) of the Elections Act 2011, Section 11(1)(d) of the County Governments Act, 2012, and Standing Order No. 4 of the Homa Bay County Assembly Standing Orders, the Office of the Speaker became vacant on Tuesday, 12th November 2024. Subsequently, the House shall sit on Thursday, 21st November 2024, from 9:30 am to elect a new Speaker,” reads an advert in one of the dailies.

The two candidates have already picked their nomination papers from the Office of the Assembly Clerk.

Ngala, who is serving his 24th year as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, is currently a Master’s degree student in Constitutional Law at the University of Nairobi. According to Ngala, he plans to inject decision-making by consensus, democracy, and consultations with members of the Assembly.
“The welfare of the members of the Assembly and the delivery of quality and quantity services to the people of Homa Bay County must take precedence,” he said.

Apollo takes pride in his service as Attorney General, Chief of Staff during Awiti’s tenure in Homa Bay, and as the Director of Protocol for the Lake Region Economic Bloc Secretariat (LREB). He holds an LLB in Law and a Master’s in Protocol and Diplomacy from the International School of Protocol and Diplomacy (ISPD) in Brussels, Belgium.

He is also a certified protocol and etiquette expert from the Protocol School of Washington, D.C., USA, and has completed a Senior Management Course (SMC) as well as a Legislative Drafting Course at the Kenya School of Government.

From a pariah to a hero in the Mountain, the changing fortunes of Rigathi

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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto

By Anderson Ojwang

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua became a national political outcast and villain. He lost all trappings of power and is constitutionally barred from holding public office.
But back in Murima, the Mountain, Rigathi has emerged as a hero, the new sheriff, and the determinant of the political course of the region.

Even with the appointment of Deputy President Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki as the successor and checkmate to Rigathi in the Mt Kenya region, the change on the litmus paper has been negligible.

Last Saturday, the political chemical test on the litmus paper and subsequent reactions were anticipated because, for the first time, President William Ruto, immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and the impeached Rigathi Gachagua met in Embu County.

Former President Uhuru has been out of the country for several months and has not attended any public functions, while President Ruto and his impeached former deputy have not met in public since the new incumbent assumed office.

This was during the episcopal ordination and installation of Rev. Peter Kimani as the fourth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu at the University of Embu grounds.

The event, a holy one meant for the installation of Bishop Peter Kimani, came hot on the heels of a statement by the Catholic Church criticising President Ruto over various issues affecting his government, ranging from abductions and corruption to the high cost of living.

The statement by Catholic Bishops stirred a flurry of political reactions from Ruto and his allies, who castigated the Church, saying they should be factual and careful lest they become victims of the accusations they had labelled against his administration.

President Ruto, speaking at a graduation ceremony at Tangaza University on Friday, 15 November, urged the clergy to ensure their statements were factual to avoid misleading the public.
“I urge all leaders, including the clergy, to work together toward building a nation we can all be proud of. Even as we discuss important national issues, we must remain factual to avoid falling into the same traps we accuse others of,” he said.

But in Embu, the mood on the ground was different. The dignitaries’ arrival and departure were marked by contrasting receptions, with some receiving backlash and others getting a rousing welcome.

For President Ruto, it was a wake-up call that his political backyard, Mt Kenya, was slipping away from his tight grip to his immediate predecessor and the impeached Deputy. Even the appointment of Kithure has minimally neutralised the expanding influence of Rigathi, who is fast becoming the de facto leader in the region.

Interestingly, on Saturday, President Ruto did not greet his former deputy Rigathi when the two met in public.

The failure of Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua to greet each other was a clear demonstration of their continuing political differences. Mr Kenyatta, on the other hand, arrived shortly after the Head of State and received a standing ovation from the congregation and leaders present. He later shook hands with Dr Ruto and Prof. Kindiki.

Worshippers loudly cheered Mr Kenyatta as he made his way to the front seats, temporarily disrupting the ceremony. This necessitated the intervention of Archbishop Anthony Muheria, who reminded the worshippers that they were in a church service and should maintain silence.

For Rigathi, he entered the muddy venue and chose to sit in the front row of the congregation, where he watched the proceedings. In his company were the impeached former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba. He was wildly cheered as he made his way in and out of the venue, reflecting his popular public approval in the Mountain.

In Mathira Constituency, Rigathi’s homeland, the residents have so far collected thousands of signatures with a view to recalling their MP, Eric Wamumbi, over what they termed as betrayal.

They accused the MP of voting in favour of Rigathi’s impeachment, a move they claim was made without their support. They also allege that Wamumbi has misused public funds, neglecting development in the constituency since taking office.

In the neighbouring Nyeri Town constituency, MP Duncan Maina recently faced hostility from residents, who chased him away, claiming he was a “traitor” for supporting the impeachment motion against Rigathi.

Political Analyst Mr Martin Andati says Mt Kenya abandoned President Ruto a long time ago and any political overtures to the Mountain will yield minimal gain.

He says Rigathi started by playing politics of rebellion that endeared him to the Mountain, and he became their spokesperson through his position in the government and Uhuru’s retirement.
“From rebellion politics, Rigathi moved to whip the emotions of the Mountain by playing victim, and he has swayed public sentiment. The majority of the Mountain are now with him. He is the de facto leader of Murima. Give it to him,” he says.

Martin says it was hoped that through the appointment of Kithure, the Mountain could be split between West and East. However, based on Saturday’s events in Embu, it is clear that it is more galvanised than before.
“The reaction in Embu, Kithure’s backyard, left President Ruto with much to reflect on. The appointment of his deputy will have minimal political gain in his 2027 presidential elections. The vote bloc is gone, and it is high time he looked elsewhere,” he says.

William Ruto’s Legacy Projects: Building Dreams, Perfecting Ambitions

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Junior Secondary Schools

By Billy Mijungu

As President William Ruto approaches the mid-point of his term, the canvas of his legacy is being painted with ambitious strokes, each project aiming to reshape Kenya’s socio-economic landscape. His efforts have sparked praise and criticism in equal measure, yet they remain undeniably transformative. From affordable housing to agricultural reform, Ruto’s agenda is bold, but the real test lies in perfecting the foundation he has laid.

Affordable Housing: Homes for the People

The affordable housing initiative, a cornerstone of Ruto’s presidency, shows early success. House prices are stabilising, reflecting increased supply and competitive market dynamics. Employment in construction and related industries is climbing, fueling optimism. However, the spectre of land hoarding by brokers looms large, stalling momentum. The government must tackle this challenge by enforcing stringent land-use policies and incentivising landowners to release plots for development.

To sustain this revolution, the mortgage sector must expand rapidly. With projections of 500,000 to a million mortgages in the coming years, financial institutions need robust frameworks to accommodate new borrowers. The ripple effect on economic stability—already supported by an inflation rate of 2.7%, the lowest in 30 years—will be profound.

Health Reforms: A New Dawn for Universal Coverage

The transition from NHIF to SHIF under the State Health Authority (SHA) is groundbreaking. By pooling contributions and channelling them into public health facilities, the government is reshaping healthcare delivery. However, to realize its full potential, Ruto must take bold steps: integrate all state officers into the SHIF system and suspend private medical insurance schemes funded by public budgets. This would centralize resources, reduce administrative costs, and ensure equity in service delivery.

Agriculture: Beyond Subsidies

Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and Ruto’s subsidies on fertilizers are a step in the right direction. However, the sector needs more than subsidies. Mechanization, technology integration, and value addition through cottage industries are the keys to unlocking its potential. These efforts would not only bolster food security but also employ Kenya’s youth, who comprise 80% of the population.

Water provision—both for households and industrial agriculture—must be a priority. Without addressing irrigation challenges, Kenya’s agricultural renaissance will remain incomplete.

Education: Back to Basics

The president’s attention must turn to education, the bedrock of the nation’s future. Early childhood and primary school infrastructure require urgent investment. The commercialization of education has eroded public trust, and reclaiming it will demand raising standards in public schools.

Junior secondary schools, introduced under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), need clear leadership. Appointing substantive principals for these schools is non-negotiable. Structural reforms and adequate funding are essential for a sustainable education system.

Transport: Connecting the Nation

Kenya’s transport sector is a mixed bag of success and neglect. While the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and major highways have transformed inter-county connectivity, urban transport is in disarray. Nairobi’s traffic chaos, unreliable public transport, and underutilized water and air transport systems demand urgent attention. Revamping urban transit with mass rapid systems, cleaner energy buses, and smart infrastructure will redefine city living.

Economic Stability: A Debt-Free Future

Kenya’s local debt crisis is a ticking time bomb. With public debt nearing KSh 10 trillion—5 trillion of which is local—Ruto’s administration must prioritize repayment to ease the strain on local businesses. The competition between the government and private sector for credit has stifled entrepreneurship, leaving banks reluctant to lend to small businesses. Setting strict borrowing limits and incentivizing banks to support businesses will reignite job creation and economic growth.

A Vision for Posterity

President Ruto has made significant strides in shaping Kenya’s future. However, ambition without precision risks faltering. Addressing bottlenecks, refining policies, and ensuring inclusivity will cement his legacy. The housing, health, agriculture, and education sectors hold immense promise—but they require relentless focus.

As Kenya moves forward, Ruto must listen, adapt, and lead with courage. The dreams he builds today will become the realities future generations inherit. Let this be a legacy of equity, opportunity, and progress.

The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and a 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County.
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Could Governor Ochillo Ayacko be a walking lone man of Migori as politics erupts?

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Governer-Dr.-Ochilo-Ayacko
Migori Governer Dr. Ochilo Ayacko

By Anderson Ojwang

Migori County has never disappointed. It has lived up to the billing. It’s promising once again to erupt. The pressure is intensifying. The ground is rumbling. Tension is high, with hostility from the public and among the elected leaders brewing. The division is real, with each leader reading from their script.

From the county assembly to the governor, the senator, members of parliament, and the public, the battle lines have been drawn. Soon, it may return to the original Migori— the war zone and gangland.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has been firefighting on multiple fronts: from conflicts with the assembly to battles with MPs from the county and the gold war that pits local artisans against Chinese and other international investors.

Members of the public are not left out, expressing jittery concerns over service provision and the dwindling economy. Unlike the tenure of immediate former Governor Okoth Obado, when several projects were initiated and money circulated freely, creating a vibrant economy, the current leadership is facing mounting criticism.

In the county assembly, opponents of the governor hold sway with a majority of members. If unchecked, this could lead to an impeachment attempt before the 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, most MPs from the county are at loggerheads with the governor. Some, like Suna West MP Peter Masara and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, have declared interest in the gubernatorial seat and have been decampaigning Ayacko on the ground. Others, such as Rongo MP Paul Abuor, are not aligned with the governor.

From the Kuria region, MPs are aligned with Ayacko’s opponents and have been actively campaigning against him. To counter these moves and mend fences, the governor recently reshuffled his government, adding one more County Executive Committee (CEC) member from the Kuria community and appointing three additional chief officers to appeal to this crucial vote bloc.

Last Friday, a visibly infuriated and disappointed Senator Eddy Oketch, previously a staunch ally of the governor, did not hold back his criticism:
“Governor, I am very bitter. I have never been bitter with you. You see these people sitting here claim that Eddy Oketch and the governor are swindling county funds. It is sad because I have been quiet despite some political blocs fighting the governor.

When the people elected us, I said I will not fight my own governor because I want development to reach the ground. The governor knows his role, and as a senator, I know mine. Why would it be that when I organise my function and invite my guests, the governor then goes behind my back to request them to skip my function?

Governor, I have vouched for you. Orengo (Siaya Governor James) cannot lie; Susan Mangeni (Permanent Secretary in the State Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) cannot lie. You cannot come to my function after you advised Orengo not to attend because you were away and then show up.

I cannot be disrespected in Migori County. You cannot destroy my function. I can turn to Muok Retego, my dark side. You will never want to see the side of Muok Retego in Migori County,” he said.

In response, Governor Ayacko dismissed the accusations, urging elected leaders to focus on their responsibilities and avoid petty conflicts:
“I have come here to conduct harambee. I want to say this and respond to the senator: I have forgiven him because he doesn’t know what he is talking about. The senator invited his friends. I know Susan Mangeni and Governor James Orengo. We respect one another. I don’t know if he spoke to them to be his guests. They asked him to enjoin me in the function, but he did not.

This morning, Mangeni and Orengo called to ask how the function was progressing. I told them I don’t know. You can look for the governor of Siaya to be a guest at your function. If you look at the poster, I am not included.

He has claimed that at a function of Migori Speaker Christopher Rusana, he was denied an opportunity to speak, and even that he blames on me. Do I look like Rusana? The senator’s problem is purely a lack of knowledge on protocol. Protocol is studied and learned.”

Beyond this political drama, Governor Ayacko still faces criticism over the gold battle between investors and local artisans. Artisans accuse him of failing to protect their interests, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by investors.

Macalder MCA Felix Odhiambo Okwanyo remarked:
“The Cabinet Secretary for Mining has stood with the artisans, but our governor has remained non-committal. We are wondering what the problem could be. Does he want to protect his voters, or has he abandoned us to the hands of investors to perish?”

As tensions rise, Migori County appears set for further divisions and unrest, with leaders clashing over resources, responsibilities, and political ambitions. The battle for the county’s future has begun.

Engineer Shadrack Omondi Anyuo Supports Sports in Kaler Ward, Pledges to Uplift Youth through Football and Education

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Engineer Shadrack Omondi Anyuo Supports Sports in Kaler Ward
Engineer Shadrack Omondi Anyuo at Sports event in Kaler Ward

By Erick Otieno

Nyatike Constituency, Kenya – Eng. Shadrack Omondi Anyuo, a parliamentary hopeful for Nyatike Constituency in the 2027 General Election, extended his support to 11 football teams in Kaler Ward by donating sports uniforms. The event, held at the Ochuna football pitch over the weekend, saw the aspiring MP highlight the challenges faced in sports funding due to what he described as poor leadership and underutilisation of available resources.

Eng. Shadrack expressed concern that despite a 2% sports fund allocated annually from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), teams within Nyatike are still struggling with essential equipment. “If the leadership were focused, every team in Nyatike would already have kits, and private individuals would be encouraged to support other needs,” he stated. He decried the lack of accountability in sports spending and emphasised the need for new leadership prioritising youth and talent development.

As part of his campaign promise, Eng, Shadrack committed to launching an annual sports league for Nyatike if elected. He envisions the league as a platform for scouting talent, creating opportunities for young players to join national and even international clubs. “Sports is now a viable career path and a means of employment for the youth. I want to help our young people unlock that potential,” he remarked.

In his broader agenda, Eng. Shadrack pledged to extend the distribution of sports uniforms to all clubs across the seven wards of Nyatike Constituency. He emphasised that sports investments can have long-lasting impacts on the community’s youth, creating pathways for personal and professional growth.

During the event, he also took the opportunity to address students and their families, urging young people to prioritise their education over the December holiday break. Eng. Shadrack voiced concern over high dropout rates, particularly among girls, due to early pregnancies. “Our young learners must stay focused on their studies. Education is the foundation of a brighter future, and as a community, we must support them to succeed,” he said.

In closing, he called for unity among leaders within Nyatike Constituency and Migori County, underscoring the importance of collaborative leadership in achieving progress and sustainable development for all.

This gesture by Eng. Shadrack marks a significant step in his commitment to empowering Nyatike’s youth, promoting sports, and fostering a community-centred approach to leadership.

How Legislator, Tim Wanyonyi is defying odds to rewrite his story

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tim wanyonyi

By Anderson Ojwang

How Legislator, Tim Wanyonyi is defying odds to rewrite his story

By Anderson Ojwang

He is a man who has defied the odds, cheated death by a whisker, became disabled, deserted and abandoned by friends and clients, but he braved it all and stood up to write his own story.

When he thought everything was crumbling and wanted everyone out of his life, including his wife, she remained the pillar and is credited for his meteoric rise to the national platform.

Resilience, loyalty, sacrifice, trust, and hard work are some of the virtues that have defined and shaped his life after a brush with carjackers in Nairobi that nearly killed all his dreams. But those are now history, as he has changed the odds to deliver in a political brand.

He has emerged as one of the best-performing Members of Parliament in 2024 and is a gubernatorial hopeful for Nairobi in the 2027 general elections.

Meet the Westlands MP, Tim Wanyonyi, who is not leaving anything to chance in his quest for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.

“My biggest enemies have been inside ODM. They sit and say you will never be a governor. But this time, we are saying if they try to stop us, we will shove them aside. An idea whose time has come, nobody can stop it. Again, I cannot put my ambition on hold for too long. Last time they asked me to hold on, and this time, if someone tells me to hold, I will ask them to hold as I go for the seat,” he said.

In the 2007 election, Wanyonyi went against the grain and his elder brother, the current Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Moses Wetang’ula, to propose the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) presidential candidate, Raila Amolo Odinga.

“In 2007, when nobody knew Tim Wanyonyi, Raila Odinga picked me to be one of the people who proposed him to be the president of Kenya. It was beamed nationally and internationally. I proposed Raila Odinga. That time, I knew my brother was a minister in the government. But I chose to be with my political father, Raila Odinga. I have learnt my politics and graduated from Raila Odinga’s school of politics. Raila accepted that I be governor of Nairobi in 2027. I didn’t go to sleep. I have been working and creating structures to win the seat,” he said in Bungoma during a recent ODM recruitment drive.

Fresh from law school and bubbling with childhood and youthful ambitions, he landed his first employment at his elder brother’s law firm, Wetang’ula and Company Advocates. But as fate would have it, disaster struck through carjacking, leaving him confined to a wheelchair.

At the time of the incident, he had a young family, and his children had just celebrated their first birthday. His wife was not working.

During an interview with Citizen TV, Wanyonyi recalled the horrific carjacking incident that saw his whole life come to a standstill.

“I heard someone shouting, ‘Shoot him.’ Something hit me in the back, and all of a sudden, I completely lost myself. I fell down. I tried to stand up, but I couldn’t. They put me on a pickup truck and rushed me to Aga Khan Hospital that very night.”

After receiving treatment and being discharged, Wanyonyi resumed work, but things were not the same.

“In the office where I was working, they withdrew all my clients and files. I went to the office just to sit there. For more than a year, I was in that office doing absolutely nothing. Later on, when I confronted my employer, who was my brother, I told him I don’t like what is going on, and he told me, ‘You know, I’m trying to protect you.’ He said they didn’t want to stress me.”

That marked the first bold step in defying the odds, which has turned out to be a milestone and a game-changer.

Wanyonyi was recently named as one of the best-performing Members of Parliament and said: **“It is a deeply humbling moment when I was honoured as one of the Best MPs of the Year at the Star Leaders’ Awards 2024.

This recognition reflects not only my journey but the core values I hold dear: transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting our communities. Serving Westlands has been a source of pride, a constant reminder that true leadership is built on the foundation of the people. As we look ahead, these same principles will continue to shape my vision,”** he said.

The Westlands MP has been engaging the public in various forums, including town hall meetings, which he hopes will shore up votes to win the seat.

“We have recently been having a series of public engagement events, and I am genuinely grateful for the incredible ideas and passion shared by our community. From insightful suggestions to open dialogues, Nairobians have shown a strong commitment to making their voices heard in shaping our city’s future,” he said on his social media platforms, Facebook and X.

He said public participation was not just a formality but a powerful force for meaningful change that would help in building a Nairobi that reflects the true aspirations, needs, and values of the people.

“These gatherings have reinforced that Nairobians are ready and willing to lead this charge for a better, more inclusive, and thriving city. As we set our sights on higher office, I emphasised my commitment to an open-door approach, ensuring business security, and strengthening partnerships with law enforcement to foster a safe, thriving, 24-hour business economy in Nairobi,” he said.

He is likely to enjoy the huge Luhya vote bloc in Nairobi and could easily win other vote blocs in the county.

Kenya Calls for Sh 167 trillion  for Africa  Climate Fund for Developing Nations at COP29

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Baku, November 13, 2024
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Baku, November 13, 2024

By correspondent in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has called on a world leader to establish an annual Sh 167 trillion ($1.3 trillion) Africa climate fund aimed at supporting developing nations in combating the effects of climate change.

Speaking when he represented President William Ruto at the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Mudavadi emphasised that climate change is a daily reality in Kenya.

“In Kenya, climate change is a daily reality,” he said, reflecting on the devastating consequences of recent climate events.

He highlighted that floods just five months ago killed 267 people and displaced over 280,000. In addition, droughts last year led to the death of more than 2.4 million livestock, leaving many livelihoods destroyed.

He underscored that the climate crisis is not confined to Kenya, with Africa suffering losses ranging from 9 to 12 percent of its GDP due to climate-induced damages. These disruptions are severely affecting infrastructure, agriculture, water resources, tourism, and other vital sectors across the continent.

Mudavadi further emphasised the importance of global cooperation to tackle the crisis. “To address these challenges, we must scale up climate finance,” he said.

He called for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of no less than $1.3 trillion annually from 2025 to support adaptation efforts, loss and damage, and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). He also proposed an additional $5.8 trillion by 2030 to ensure a just transition to low-carbon economies.

The PCS also addressed the financial barriers that developing nations face, citing high interest rates, rising climate costs, and constrained fiscal space. “We need to unlock the capital needed for climate action,” he said, calling for the reform of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to unlock climate financing, suggesting debt restructuring and redesigning credit ratings to reduce borrowing costs.

Mudavadi stressed the importance of upscaling renewable energy and phasing out fossil fuels. “We must agree on measures to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030,” he urged.

He advocated for a global roadmap to ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon economy, with concrete steps toward a fossil fuel phase-out.

Mudavadi highlighted the need for improved carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

“Carbon markets have untapped potential, but we face challenges like price volatility and lack of uniform standards.”

“We must operationalise carbon markets through reviewable bilateral agreements to ensure transparency and accountability in the carbon trading regime,” he added.

Kenya also strongly advocated for the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Facility.

Mudavadi urged world leaders to fast-track mechanisms to support vulnerable countries affected by climate change. “The Loss and Damage Facility must be fully operationalised to address the needs of developing nations,” he said.

In closing, Mudavadi called for stronger political will and international cooperation to confront economic interests that prioritise profits over people and the planet.

“We must transform the climate crisis into an opportunity for a green and resilient future for all,” he concluded.

Kenya’s proposals at COP29 underscore the country’s commitment to securing the necessary financing and international support for climate action. The success of this conference is crucial to ensuring that developing nations have the resources needed to tackle the climate crisis effectively.

ENDS.

Babu Owino is emerging from the shadows to claim the political table

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Babu Owino

By Anderson Ojwang

Last week marked a political milestone for Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, which could positively impact his future political journey in the emerging political realignment.

Babu not only braved the hostile local and national political waters but also received a positive mention from a young American lad for his public endorsement of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump went on to win the election by defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

In a video clip that went viral on several social media platforms, the lad said, “Babu Owino, Embakasi East. It is an honour and pleasure that you have publicly endorsed President Donald Trump. That a foreign leader, who could make Kenya great one day, once again endorsed Donald Trump. Babu, I personally would love to meet you, though this may not happen, to do an interview. Thank you, Babu Owino, for endorsing Donald Trump.”

Babu, in his response on X (formerly Twitter), replied, saying, “A big thank you to the Americans who accepted and appreciated my endorsement for President Trump. When I go to America, I will for sure meet this gentleman who changed his mind to vote for Trump after I publicly endorsed Trump. Embakasi East Republic to the world.”

Babu had gone against the grain with the majority of political elites in Kenya, who were supporting Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who lost to President-Elect Trump. Analysts view the positive mention by the American lad as a political milestone for Babu, potentially endearing him to President Trump.

Back at home, last Sunday at Ligisa Secondary School in Homa Bay County, the political stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the crowd temporarily disrupted the function, demanding that Babu be allowed to speak.

The event was graced by former ODM party leader Raila Odinga, interim Party Leader Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Hassan Joho, as well as various senators, governors, and members of parliament, all of whom witnessed Babu’s “bloodless coup.”

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo’s efforts to pacify the crowd were drowned out by chants of “Babu, Babu” before Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo interjected, saying, “Let Babu speak to the people.” The crowd went wild and then fell silent.

In his speech, Babu showed his support for Raila’s bid for the chairperson of the African Union, saying he was the best candidate. He stated that Wanga was suited to lead the party forward and was a game-changer in party politics.

Babu, in a closing remark on the next political agenda, said, “Na Baba aki saa enda, na Baba aki saa enda” (loosely translated, “When Baba is…, when Baba is gone”) but did not complete the sentence as the jubilant crowd cheered.

Raila recently announced he would be stepping away from local politics for an international role, sparking succession politics in the party and Nyanza, his stronghold.

President William Ruto is already eyeing the Nyanza vote bloc for the 2027 elections, having rolled out multimillion-shilling development projects in the region and appointed several members from the community to his cabinet and other government positions.

Other leaders, including Wanga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Otiende, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, and others, have been positioning themselves for community leadership after Raila.

The impassioned Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, speaking at the function, condemned those eyeing Raila’s position, calling it treason.

“Those people bringing irrelevant and useless discussions on Raila’s succession and inheriting his seat—I want to deliver a warning here in Homa Bay. That is an act of treason. If you talk of inheriting Raila’s seat, you will be beaten like nobody’s business,” he said.

Junet maintained that Raila would remain their leader, whether in Addis Ababa as AU Chair or in Kenya.

“Our father is one. If you want small positions like that of Gladys Wanga’s or mine, which is the Director of Elections, you can go for that. But if you want to take Raila’s seat, we will pound you like a potato,” Junet said.

Babu has been traversing several parts of Nyanza to connect with grassroots supporters, causing disquiet among some in the political class.

Nairobi-based medic Dr Gedion Majiwa said the stars seem to be shining brighter for Babu, and the positive mentions he is receiving locally and internationally are beneficial for his political future.

“Babu is on the right political trajectory. Time and age are on his side. He is a go-getter and a shrewd politician. He is a man to watch in the emerging new political arrangements,” he said.

Recently, Babu faced criticism from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for allegedly supporting the opposition leader in his country, who warned him to stay out of Uganda’s affairs.

Shock as Kisumu County Government suspends recruitment of staff

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Anyang-nyongo-KCPSB

By Anderson Ojwang

The county government of Kisumu has suspended recruitment, contract extensions, and contract conversion to permanent and pensionable terms for its employees.

Prospective new employees of the county government who have been interviewed and were successful will have to wait a little longer, while employees whose contracts are expiring will be rendered jobless by the action. Employees who had hoped their contracts would be converted into permanent and pensionable ones will have to wait until the government lifts the suspension.

A memo dated 11th November 2024, addressed to the County Secretary from the Kisumu County Public Service Board and signed by the Vice Chairperson, Dr Mary Jacinta A. Kapiyo, was in response to a letter from the County Secretary dated 7th November 2024 on the above matter.

“The Board, on receipt of the above-mentioned letter, held a meeting on Monday, 11th November 2024 to discuss its contents. As at the time of suspending recruitment, contract extension, and contract conversion to permanent and pensionable terms, the Board had the following ongoing activities,” read the memo in part.

The Board had conducted interviews after receiving requisitions from different departments to recruit staff in various positions.

In the Department of the County Attorney, there were nine vacancies; after the availability of funds was confirmed, the selection was done but appointment letters were yet to be issued.

In the Department of Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, Industry, and Marketing, there were eight positions; selection had been done, and the Board was awaiting confirmation of fund availability from the department.

In the Department of Kisumu County Revenue Board, there was one vacant position; selection had been done, and the Board was awaiting confirmation of fund availability from the department.

In the Department of Energy, Transport, Roads, and Public Works, there were 109 vacant positions; selection was done, and fund availability was confirmed, but the appointment letters were not yet issued.

In the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, there were 32 vacancies; fund availability was confirmed, and selection undertaken, but the appointment letters were not yet issued.

In the Department of Education, Technical Training, Innovation, and Social Services, there were vacancies for Assistant Vocational Trainers (10 positions), and 100 vacancies for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. Interview dates were scheduled from 18th November 2024 to 2nd December 2024.

The Board observed that the recruitment process was initiated by the relevant departments and approved by the cabinet after budget confirmation and consideration of several factors to justify the need. Subsequently, a formal request was made to the Board.

“The Board received a reminder letter from the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, requesting the Board to release names of successful candidates to enable the department to operationalise the municipalities. This will ensure that the county government does not miss out on the conditional grant from the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP),” read the memo in part.

The Board noted that it had conducted interviews for ECDE teachers in 2020 and selected suitable candidates, but the appointment letters were never issued due to a lack of funds.

“Consequently, a repeat of the same will negatively impact the Board and the county government’s image to the public. Similarly, it will discourage applicants in the future,” read the memo.

The Board stated that service delivery in the education sector will be affected, as exemplified by the number of schools without ECDE teachers in the county, among other departments.

Homa Bay Speaker Julius Gaya resigns ahead of an impeachment motion

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Homa Bay Speaker Julius Gaya
Former Homa Bay Speaker Julius Gaya

By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay Speaker Julius Gaya resigned on Tuesday as the Speaker of the Homa Bay County Assembly ahead of a planned impeachment motion against him.

Gaya, who served as the Assembly’s third speaker, tendered his resignation to the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Hannington Abeka.

Presiding over Tuesday’s sitting, Deputy Speaker Samuel Okings Okomo confirmed that he had received Gaya’s resignation through the County Clerk and therefore declared the seat vacant.

“I am in receipt of the resignation letter from Hon. Julius Odhiambo Gaya, addressed to the Clerk, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No. 14a (1),” the Deputy Speaker notified the members.

“Gaya appreciates the opportunity given to him to serve this house as the third speaker, having been elected on 21 September 2022,” reads the letter.

“I hereby notify this house of the resignation pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No. 14a (3) and declare the office of the Speaker vacant,” said Okings.

Gaya served as the Central Karachuonyo MCA for two terms under the former County Governor, Cyprian Awiti, before being elected as Speaker.

Gaya dropped his third quest for the Central Karachuonyo MCA after supporting the election of the current Governor, Gladys Wanga, and was rewarded with the Speaker’s seat.

According to Majority Leader Richard Ogindo, out of the 54 County Assembly members, 53 had already signed the petition in support of Gaya’s impeachment motion.

He thanked the former Speaker for taking the bold and brave step before the impeachment motion could be tabled.

“On behalf of all members, I appreciate our former Speaker, Hon. Julius Gaya, for the brave move he undertook by handing in his resignation letter,” said Ogindo.

“Out of 54 members, only one member opposed the petition to remove him from office. By deciding to resign, he made the best decision before this house could proceed with the impeachment motion,” said the Majority Leader.

Gaya succeeded former Speaker Elizabeth See, who was elected after defeating his arch-rival, former Gwasi North MCA Evance Marieba, by garnering 40 out of the possible 54 votes.

In 2018, while serving as the Central Karachuonyo MCA, Gaya was barred from accessing the house by security guards over allegations of exposing corruption and misconduct at the County Assembly.

He stated that the action was intended to intimidate him due to his efforts to fight corruption and uphold human rights within the County Assembly.

Gaya was recently summoned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which is investigating his academic credentials. He has appeared before the commission on two occasions.

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