By Anderson Ojwang

In Nyanza, Gem Sub County, has been a cradle of success stories in the region in terms of its contribution in the academia, entrepreneurship, business, leadership, management, research and in all sectors.

Just like the name Gem which in English literal translate to jewel or treasure has not disappointed in the regions and country socio-economic and political growth.

This year, Gem has witnessed the demise of their two great sons Prof Bethwel Allan Ogot, a revered academia and whose memories remains etched in the history books for future referencing.

Recently, they buried again, an entrepreneur and Evangelist, who turned around the economy of Siaya County through a multi-billion shillings investment at the once abandoned Yala Swamps through an America Investor.

The late Rev Ken Nyagudi, former Kisumu West MP, in his pursuit for economic liberation and independence for Nyanza, challenged to existing political order by initiating a new economic dispensation.

Nyanza was more vibrant in terms of politics while economics took backstage and was given least attention in various forums. 

Nyanza was more of political praise song of the leadership and little discourse on economic progression.

Nyagudi who was then little known in the region, woke up the sleepy Siaya county to a vibrant and fast-moving economy that witnessed a new economic dynamic for the region.

Yala swamp that was left for tethering cows, donkey and goats and maize growing became a mechanized large scale rice growing zone, which not only altered the local economy but the national one.

In local shops and supermarkets, packed rice from the Dominion Farms found their way and became one of the best liked varieties.

Nyagudi through his networks brought in the region, an American Investors Calvin Burges, Founder of Dominion Farms, who termed Yala Swamp as the Siaya’s Canaan.

Burges recognized the swamp’s extraordinary potential as agricultural land to significantly boost Kenya’s food security. 

The “Dominion Group of Companies” is the informal identity of a number of companies founded and owned by Calvin Burgess of Guthrie, Oklahoma.

These companies provide a diverse range of services and products, from office properties in the central U.S. to large-scale farming in Kenya. 

The company’s operations included rice, fish, and rotation crops, with a significant focus on aquaculture. AECF has co-funded Dominion’s aquaculture program, building upon nearly $2 million in operational investment and $38 million in infrastructure investment. 

The intention of the Kenyan government to transform parts of the Yala swamp into agricultural land for food production goes back as far 1970s.

Various feasibility studies were undertaken on the economic potential of the area as early as 1970s, when Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands was consulted extensively by the Kenyan government for technical assistance on reclamation of the swamp and the feasibility of agricultural production.

Throughout the 1980s numerous reports were commissioned by the Kenyan Ministry for Energy and Regional Development and the Lake Basin Development Authority to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reports like the “Yala Integrated Development Plan” and the “Yala Swamp Reclamation and Development Project” focused in depth on the potential of the development of the swamp and made recommendations on practical matters, such as drainage and irrigation, soil analysis, agriculture, marketing, environmental aspects, employment opportunities, human settlement, management and financial planning.

As a result, small-scale reclamation and development of the swamp land was undertaken throughout the 1980s and 1990s under the supervision of the Lake Basin Development Authority. 

The development of the swamp was partially successful, yet its scale was small, and financial benefits were too marginal. Major investment was therefore required to extend the scale of the project.

In 2003, Dominion farm made significant long-term investments into bringing parts of the swamp into agricultural production. 

Subsequently, a lease for 45 years was negotiated between Dominion Farms and the Siaya and Bondo County Councils to bring into agricultural production some 7,000 hectares of the Yala swamp.

The whole Yala swamp wetland covers 17,500 hectares, which means that Dominion Farms is allowed to reclaim and develop roughly 40% of the swamp.

Burges constructed a state-of-the-art rice processing plant with the ability of processing 10,000 tons of rice per day, and the first batch hit the shelves in 2007.

The farm had a research facility on site and propagates its own rice seeds, growing, million, packaging and sale.

The rice production output then was between 3.300-4,000 tons per annum by 2007 and it was anticipated to double.

The farm also ventured into production of fingerlings and was the main contract supplier for the government’s fish ESP program and were selling two million fingerlings per month.

The farm also operated eight trial ponds each with the capacity of holding 80,000 fish and was planning to set up 10 new ponds in a massive fish cropping program to cover 160 acres of land.

Dominion farms also ventured into large scale production of soya beans, which is the chief ingredient in the production of fish, chicken and dog feeds, which the farm was producing.

The farm also acquired a herd of 100 heifers in a test program for dairy and beef production and had hoped to build a herd of 600 cattle for milk and beef production.

Former Alego MP Sammy Weya described the project as a milestone saying Nyagudi was a man committed to economic welfare of Nyanza.

“Ken was so passionate about the community economic welfare.

Our discussions revolved how best we can grow and liberate the community’s economy. This is the dream we should live to realize as a people,” he said.

At his burial, in Gem mourners recognized his contribution to the economic welfare of the region terming him an entrepreneurial icon.

By Anderson Ojwang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Anderson Ojwang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Similarly, activists track illegal online sales and report sellers.

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

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

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

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

Dr.Edris N.Omondi(Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

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

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

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

Luo Music: A Cultural Heritage That Resonates Far and Wide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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