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The Politics of Kenyan Census Results, the shinning star in a blue sky.

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Billy Mijungu

By Billy Mijungu

The release of the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census results sent shockwaves across the country. While Kenya’s population grew from 37.7 million in 2009 to 47.6 million in 2019, with an intercensal growth rate declining from 2.9% to 2.2%, some counties, particularly in Northern Kenya, saw unexpected declines. Mandera County recorded a drop from 995,357 residents in 2009 to 867,457 in 2019—a reduction of 127,931 people.

Census data is more than just a demographic tool. It determines how national resources are distributed based on population size, historical marginalization, and geographic factors. Communities like the Somali, who occupy vast land, have faced marginalization and now claim one of the highest birth rates, are deeply affected by census results. The perception that their numbers are rising rapidly due to cultural practices such as polygamy is a simplification of a more complex reality, which includes migration from Somalia.

Kenya can no longer ignore the influence of Somali migration. Decades of war and economic hardship in Somalia have led to a continuous influx of Somali nationals into Kenya. Many settle seamlessly within the local Somali community, making it difficult to distinguish between Kenyan Somalis and recent migrants. This integration has economic and political implications, from the dominance of Somali businesses in Eastleigh to their increasing influence in national affairs. The concern is whether census figures accurately reflect these demographic shifts or whether certain areas are undercounted or overcounted for political and economic reasons.

With census results influencing electoral boundaries and financial resource distribution, it is no surprise that numbers are contested. Some communities inflate figures to secure more resources, while the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) dismisses extreme variations as outliers. However, altering or adjusting census results raises further questions about transparency and fairness.

Kenya must rethink its approach to population dynamics and regional integration. Instead of resisting Somali migration, should Kenya embrace it by formalizing integration policies? The Somali presence is deeply entrenched in Kenya, and their economic and political engagement is undeniable. They were the last to join the East African Community but are among the most committed members.

Rather than treating demographic shifts as threats, Kenya should explore ways to integrate and manage them effectively. Whether through policy adjustments, open-border discussions, or regional cooperation, the reality is clear the Somali presence in Kenya is permanent. Acknowledge and adapt for economic and social growth.

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Kisumu County Government withdraws its support to Kisumu All Stars Football club

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By Anderson Ojwang

 The County Government of Kisumu has withdrawn its support to the Kisumu All-Stars football club. The team currently plays in the second tier of the FKF leagues.

In a memo by  Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs, Chief Officer Francis Asunah dated  26th November  2024 to the chief executive officer (CEO) of Kisumu All Stars Football Club said the county government decision to withdraw its support to the club.

It read in parts “  This is to bring to your attention the county executive committee decision on the non-renewal of the contract of the Kisumu  All-stars FC and the subsequent cessation of any other funding from the county government of Kisumu.

You are therefore requested to communicate the same to the players and the technical bench in due time.  We really appreciate working with you and the team in its entirety”.

The team was formed in 2018 as a community but the county government decided to support it and it is said it has so far spent over Sh 50M on it.

The county government also provided the stadium and other amenities at the disposal of the club and ensured that all the necessary requests were met in time.

Sources revealed that the fallout occurred when it came to the recent  FKF elections of 2024. The electoral board required clubs voting at the general assembly to forward the name of the voting delegate formally through email to the electoral board.

The county government of Kisumu did comply and duly nominated their preferred representative as advised.

However, some aggrieved persons allegedly challenged the board about the ownership and disputed claims that the club belonged to the county government.

The electoral board made a decision to disregard the advice of the county on the ownership of the club and the delegate to participate in the election.

But the CEO Mr. Benjamin Oyugi acknowledged the receipt of the memo and claimed the problem of the team started when a new CEC was appointed to the office.

He denied claims that the fallout came as a result of the disregard of the county government during the recent FKF elections.

“We have had a difficult time with the county government. Accessing money from the county has been difficult and this has undermined our general operation and performance,” he said.

The CEO said the team was faced with imminent death should new financiers fail to come and rescue the club.

Government destroys bhang worth Sh30 million in Migori

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By Erick Otieno

The government has destroyed one ton of bhang, which is valued at the market price of sh 10m.

Nyanza Regional security team led by Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa oversaw the destruction of the bhang consignment at Macalder Hospital in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County.

According to the team, the bhang had been intercepted on diverse dates ranging from March 26 2023 and September 3, 2024, at the Isebania border.

The substance had been taken to a government chemist and was verified to be bhang.

It was destroyed using an incinerator at the hospital.

The Nyanza Regional commissioner highlighted that they would not stop at the point of destroying the bhang but were determined to eliminate drug trafficking.

“We are intensifying our efforts to fight drug peddling, ensure strict enforcement of the law and work closely with communities to eradicate these illegalities,” Ms Mworoa said.

She outlined porous borders as the biggest challenge stating that drugs were being sneaked into the country through ‘panya routes’.

According to the regional commissioner, they have a serious problem with our neighbouring country as Kenya’s borders are very porous.

She highlighted heightened border surveillance and encouraged law enforcers to work even harder and ensure that they arrest drug peddlers.

“We are increasing surveillance, intelligence gathering on border control measures to stop the entry and distribution of drugs in our region,” Mworoa remarked.

Moreover, she stated that the government through law enforcement agencies and other state members had stepped up operations against drug trafficking.

The regional commissioner highlighted their commitment in fighting drug abuse and substance in our region saying it remains the biggest threat to the future of young people in the country and had devastating effects on families and communities.

She was accompanied by the Regional Coordinator for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kisaka, Zachary Mwangi in charge of Nyanza Region Administration of Police, Migori County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua and Migori Health CEC Caleb Opondi among others.

Mr Mutua highlighted that six of those who were arrested with the bhang have since been convicted and sentenced.

“Arrests were made and motorcycles impounded while some escaped. So far, the cases have been concluded and six people have been convicted and are serving sentences,” the county commissioner remarked.

He echoed Mworoa’s sentiments saying that numerous perpetrators have faced the full force of law, thus reinforcing their commitment to justice and accountability.

The county commissioner who commended officers from Migori County who worked diligently and courageously to fight drug and substance abuse highlighted that the security apparatus was working tirelessly towards securing their borders with Tanzania.

According to Mutua, most of these drugs came from the neighbouring country.

He underscored the importance of fighting drug trafficking through a multi-agency approach saying that this would help dismantle the networks that that preyed upon their communities.

“The fight against narcotics cannot be won in isolation. It requires combined efforts, collaborative engagements among law enforcement agencies, community leaders and all stakeholders,” Mutua said.

Mr Kisaka said narcotics had become a pervasive threat that undermined the health, security and integrity of society.

“It is important to crucial to acknowledge tireless efforts government bodies have dedicated to curb this vice,” Kisaka said.

He further called on community members to be agents of change.

The team urged parents and teachers to play an active role in mentoring young people and stressed the need to support rehabilitation programs.

It highlighted plans to enhance public awareness which included educating people, especially the youth about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

The inside ODM wars that threaten to split the party

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By Anderson Ojwang                      

Kenya’s oldest opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an unprecedented future over differing political positions and realignments.

This has subsequently led to the emergence of three camps in the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led party, that had in the past withered various political storms to remain one of the leading parties in the country.

The inside party wars could be reminiscence of the Ford-K battle that pitted Raila against then Ugenya MP James Orengo over the party vice chairman position, which the former  won while latter was thrown to the political oblivion until after the duo reconciled and became political allies once more.

ODM boast of being the party with national outlook and networks all over the country after being existence for the last 20 years and has presented  presidential candidate in the last  four elections of 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022.

The declaration by the then party leader, Raila that he was shifting his political base from Kenya and venturing into the battle for African Union (AU) chairperson seat, triggered a political moment and realignment in the party.

The decision culminated into the appointment of Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o as the interim party leader while his counterpart Gladys Wanga was appointed the national chairperson.

Siaya Governor James Orengo had earlier lobbied for the post of the party leader but was knocked off the race after Raila proposed Nyong’o for the seat, prematurely nipping off the would be battle royale.

Currently two vocal camps have emerged and pits Wanga against Orengo while the third faction is that of the let’s wait and see what happens as the two fight over.

Wanga supports the party working with President William Ruto and favors a possible future coalition with the president’s UDA party in the 2027 general election.

Orengo is opposed to the party working with President Ruto and any possible future coalition with UDA. He is seen to be leaning towards a possible alliance between the  Murima and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka coalition.

Wanga enjoys the support of most of the MPs and those behind her are Kasipul MP Ongonde Were. Junet Mohammed and  Alego MP  Sam Atandi among others.

The MPs opposed to Orengo accuse him of allegedly  betraying his former allies and is never available when needed while for Wanga they accuse her of dumping those who supported her in the last general elections and being over-ambitious.

They claim currently, Orengo has lost the support of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Atandi and his deputy William Oduol in Siaya and only has the support of Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.

In the ODM leadership hierarchy Orengo is being supported by the party secretary Edwin Sifuna who has recently been seen with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in some functions.

Siaya senator Dr Oburu Odinga is said to favor Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi as the possible leader of the community and that is why a section of members of county assembly from Siaya recently threw their support behind Wandayi.

The MCAs led by the  leader of Majority in Siaya assembly Mr. Edwin Martin Otieno criticized a section of leaders from Nyanza who are opposed to President Ruto.

“Ruto supported Raila to become the prime minister. Currently he has appointed some of our leaders into the government. It is unfortunate  that some leaders want to bring village politics to undermine development we are currently witnessing. We must call them out,” he said.

Sources intimated to the writer that ODM office is becoming ‘a no go zone’ to some of the officials who have been earmarked as ‘ a nuisance and disturbance‘ to the party unity and development.

“Some of these officials shouting loudest will soon be coming to ODM offices. We have been infiltrated by enemies and we know how best to deal with the sell outs,” said our sources.

Raila has not indicated which side of the faction he supports as he has been committed in his campaigns and this has escalated the wars in the party.

 Wanga  has maintained in the recent functions that  the party was rightfully working with the government and that they will not engage in streets demonstrations and demonizing of 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 are destroying the country’s economy and that we should desist from demos.

They wondered and asked why we are ever protesting. Now they are asking why Raila is quite, 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, We are not going to talk. Jakom remain quite.

We did our part. I even challenged the police to shoot me those days. Where were they? Our people were killed then and they kept their silence.

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

This time as 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 tap from the opportunities the government us bringing on our way. We have been marginalized for a long time,” she said.

The Secretary General Mr. Edwin Sifuna told Raila that all is not well and that when he criticizes the government he is told that he is destroying Raila’s votes for African Union chairperson seat.

“I want to say here, that when some of our members are busy drinking milk in the government but 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 party remains to the ideals that it was founded on 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.

This party is a beacon of hope for the people and we must fight for them. As the secretary-general of your party, if you go to AUC and whether you win or lose, I will hand the party back to you intact, just as you gave it to me. There are people telling me not to speak out about the excesses of this government because I am interfering with your bid,” he said.

Orengo  has constantly said it was wrong for ODM to compromise its ideals for cheap gains that would be dangerous at the end of the game.

“On my part, I want my conscience to be clear. I want to say no to abduction. Again, I want to say there is too much sycophancy in the party at the moment.

I James Orengo, the stone, Nyawawa. I fear nothing. I want to say the luo as community must not lose their identity they are known for. We have identity that we are known for.

If we make compromises, they should be justified before God. We cannot suspend the constitution. We may be happy now  but in future, we may regret.

I pray for ODM you can stand any storm. If you make compromises but it should be based on principle  and not praise and worship. We must stand firm and leave by constitution,” he said.

Government move to crack down on criminals in Nyakach behind cattle rustling

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By Reporter

The government has moved to stem age-long castle rustling and endemic insecurity in Nyakach sub-county and along the border of Nyanza and Rift Valley.

In the move, the government has published the names of the suspected criminals behind cattle theft and criminal activities in Nyakach sub-county.

In the list by Nyakach sub-county commissioner Mr Job Amenda named 107 suspects who are alleged to have been engaging in criminal activities in the area.

In a. Memo by the deputy county commissioner dated 21st January 2025 captioned ” Re: Status of investigation on stock theft and other criminal activities in Nyakach sub-county.

The general public was informed that after in-depth investigations on the above subject, a number of youths have been mentioned adversely.

The under-listed people are people of interest in the ongoing investigations. This office advises that they report to the DCI Nyakach to clear their names within seven days from the date of the notice” it read in parts.

Sources who did not want to be named for security reasons said some of the mentioned suspects were security details of the local politicians.

” Most of the mentioned suspects are security details of the politicians from the sub-county. The politicians have been the shield to the suspects and it is good the government is not cracking down on them,” said our sources.

Nyakach and Kericho boundaries have often rampant cattle theft and constant tribal conflicts that have resulted in deaths and injuries.

Leaders including former prime minister Raila Odinga have in the past asked the government to crack down on the rampant cattle rustling and tribal conflicts along the border.

Last year chairman of the Luo Council of Elder Odungi Randa at a function in Siaya during the Piny Luo festival appealed to President Ruto to end the tribal clashes and cattle rustling along the border.

President Ruto promised to end the age-long criminal activities in the region.

Ps internal security Dr Raymond Omollo held a security meeting in the region and promised to end the age-long insecurity in the region.

President Ruto appoints IEBC Selection Panel 

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By Reporter

President William Ruto has cleared the path for the appointment of new independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) commissioners after he appointed members of the Selection panel.

In a special gazette, dated January 27th 2025 President Ruto appointed   Kiome Lindah Gakii,  Prof Adams Oloo,  James  Evans Misati, Nichodemus Kipchirchir Bore,  Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene  Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Dr Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman as members of the Selection Panel.

“ In the exercise of the powers conferred by section 7A of the Independent  Electoral and Boundaries  Commission  Act, as read with paragraph 1(2) of the first schedule of the Axt.

I , William Samoei  Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-chief of the Defense Forces appoint, to be  members of the Selection panel  for the  recruitment  of the nominees for  the appointment  as the chairperson  and members  of the independent  electoral  and  boundary  commission,’’ read

President Ruti also revoked the gazette notice  No 2641  of 2023 to give way to the new gazette notice.

Separately, the speaker of the national assembly Dr Moses Wetangula has directed the  Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission Mr.  Jeremiah Nyegenye to put in place all the necessary arrangements required to facilitate the panel as obligated by the law.

“Following the gazettement of the members of the IEBC Selection panel by President William Ruto this morning. I have communicated to the  Secretary to the Parliamentary Service Commission Mr.  Jeremiah Nyegenye to put in place all the necessary arrangements required to facilitate the panel as obligated by the law.

The Act obligates the commission to provide Secretariat services, and facilities to the panel and to meet its expenditure.

Further, noting this is a matter of huge national importance, I urge the selection panel to expedite and conclude the recruitment process of the IEBC Commissioners, at the earliest available opportunity in accordance with the law,” he wrote on his X handle.

5400 ultra-modern housing units under construction in Kisumu city to ease housing crisis in the region

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By Anderson Ojwang’

The construction of 5400 ultra-modern housing units in Kisumu City will go along way in tackling the housing crisis in the lake city that has contributed to skyrocketing rent rates.

County Executive Committee Member (CEC) in charge of Land, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Jerome Ochieng said that several housing projects are currently ongoing in Kisumu to tackle the housing challenge in the region.

He said the Sh4 billion Makasembo estate housing project is 90 per cent complete and will give the city 2000 units and will go a long way in changing the housing concept in the region from the old colonial built to ultra-modern one.

“We have been having housing challenges in Kisumu which has made the cost of rent to be high and expensive.

Additional housing units in the lake city will help contain skyrocketing rent
and cushion the tenants,’ he said.

Ochieng said the Anderson estate will also give an additional 1400 units and the housing units have all been booked off the plan.

In Lumumba estate, the national government affordable houses will add another 2000 units to the lake city and will give the residents the luxury and comfort of the ultra-modern housing system in the region.

“In these new units, they are apartments with studios, one bedroom, two bedrooms and more.

This will make Kisumu to effectively compete with Nairobi. We hope to have investors trooping to the lake city to invest in housing as Kisumu rentals have good returns to investment,” he said.

He said Kisumu was turning out as an investment hub for Kenyans in the diaspora as it is attracting various investments.

Already a group of Kenyans diasporas in the United States of America (USA) and other countries were investing Sh 1 billion in housing infrastructure.

The group, Wema Magharibi are building 140 ultra-modern housing units on five acres of land in the; leafy Riat area.

Ochieng said the group was committed to investing in the housing projects in the region.

“The works on the project are 60 per cent complete and we hope by next year the houses will be complete for occupation,” he said.

Ochieng said the investors considered Kisumu as their destination for choice to invest in and left other towns and cities because of the emerging opportunity and projected returns on investments.

Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili said the investor’s confidence in Kisumu has triggered more investors to the region and this was making the town become an investment hub.

He said the ultra-modern housing facilities will open the Western Kenya tourism circuit for both international and local tourists.

“We want to market and open the western Kenya tourism circuit and through such investments by the diaspora and other investors, the circuit is going to be a destination of choice,” he
said.

The Deputy Governor said the county government of Kisumu was wooing various investors to the region and already the initiative is bearing fruits.

He said recently former Prime Minister Raila Odinga launched LV Marina, a waterfront, a specially designed harbour with moorings for pleasure yachts and small boats.

The investment is by privately driven investors aimed at opening the Kisumu Lake Front as a tourist destination.

The facility will give the visitors and residents of Western Kenya the opportunity to enjoy the lake’s ambience and relax.

The facility will have apartments, Playgrounds, yachts and other social amenities.

The Deputy Governor said such investments were creating job and business opportunities for the locals.

President Ruto vindicated in the choice of Omollo, from a hostile region to the powerful docket, as he delivers in all front

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By Anderson Ojwang

From a humble background and orphaned at a tender age, Dr Raymond Ojwang Omollo is a walking testimony that no human being is limited.

Dr Omollo can be arguably said to be a reflection of self-belief, commitment, resilience, hard work, dedication, discipline and a selfless employee who delivers the boss’s mandate.

This was aptly captured by then deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during Dr Omollo’s thanksgiving in his Kanyipir village in Karachuonyo in 2023, which qualifies that President William Ruto made the right choice of making him the internal Security permanent secretary.

“ I wanted the position of the permanent secretary of internal security to be given to my person, But the president told me, for that post, I already have someone. Let’s talk about the posts.

I did not know Dr Omollo then but I can confirm here that President Ruto made the best choice. Dr Omollo has served the president and the nation with dedication, honesty and commitment which is above reproach.

I want to say, Dr Omollo is a great worker and I accept the president’s wisdom to give him the post despite Nyanza having voted for the Azimio Presidential candidate. The president has been vindicated in his choice,” he said.

Dr Omollo when he spoke thanked the president for the consideration and vowed to serve faithfully.
“ Your Excellency Sir, we stand here as the Omollo to give thanks to the almighty for his grace and love that he has executed through your hand. Your Excellency, today, it is a miracle that this tiny village has hosted you as the president and commander-in-chief.

It is my opportunity to make a public pronouncement of gratitude to you before my kinsmen, church and people of Kenya, accept my appreciation of gratitude, love and honour to you for this special consideration and opportunity to serve in your administration.

I am a good student who will be ready to learn and will be committed to earnestly spearhead the quest to adopt a citizen-centric approach to service delivery,” he said during the Thanksgiving prayers.

Then Cabinet Secretary of Internal Security Prof Abraham Kindiki Kithure said it was a wise choice by the president to appoint Raymond to the powerful office.

“Your Excellency, I am here to say that you made no mistake in appointing Raymond. He is trustworthy. I can say without fear of contradiction that the choice of Dr Raymond Omollo was one of the most important decisions you made in your administration.

Raymond is disciplined, straightforward, humble, obedient to authority and is not given to drunkenness and other forms of indiscipline, between Raymond and I will do the job you made us to do,” he said.

Senate Majority leader Mr. Aaron Cheruiyot said in the run-up to the last general elections, Raymond stood with President Ruto despite the strong political wind in his backyard.

“Many people asked him are you not fearing that, in the event the outcome doesn’t go your way, you will be jailed. But he replied, my fate is in the hand of God and today we are here to celebrate you.

President, allow me to say that it is ODM that gave you the platform to be known nationally. In the 2007 general election, the people of Homa Bay voted ODM and that is what made you the Minister for Agriculture. You should not be reminded of only 2022 votes. They made a contribution to your political journey. Raymond is your disciple and a witness,” he said.

President Ruto said “ I have come here to thank you for giving me this dedicated son to help me work in the Internal security. Raymond has the opportunity to serve the people of Kenya.

I am confident and I have worked with you in the past and in the last eight months you have demonstrated that indeed you deserve the responsibilities you have today. I want to tell your people, that Raymond is a professional and resolute and doing a wonderful job in the office of the president,” he said.

After the death of Raymond’s father in 1985, the family relocated back to the village from Kisumu, where Dr Omollo finally came face to face with the reality of poverty and the new lifestyle they had to live after the demise of the main breadwinner and the pillar.

His single mother never gave up on her children and just like a dream of every mother, she saw them through the school.

Dr Omollo ended up living with relatives and it was during that time, that he truly understood what poverty meant and would survive on a meal a day and this became his normal routine. Dr Omollo’s humble background and early life experience inculcated in him a calm demeanour, calculated approach, articulate communication, humility, friendly, accommodating and a sense of deep heart.

Despite coming from a once hostile political region to the subsequent governments, Dr Omollo has navigated the stormy and unpredictable waters of Nyanza to be one of the pillars to calm the opposition to President Ruto’s regime and made it his best safe net.

“ I can tell you that boy Raymond, has a calming factor. He has succeeded where most people who worked with the previous governments failed. All the Luo MPs and leaders find it easier to work with Raymond. I can tell you, that office President Ruto gave him, he has used it effectively to help the president penetrate the hostile Nyanza.

This is the best choice the president made and the continued stay of Raymond in that position would be more gainful to the president now and future. As a person, I respect and am very comfortable working with Raymond in his current capacity. He is our best,” said a member of a senior family from Nyanza who did not want to be named.


In the recent survey conducted for top-performing permanent secretaries, Dr Omollo came second after his health counterpart. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni emerged as the top performer in a recent Mizani Africa survey, securing a 71.2% approval rating. Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo follows in second place with 67.5%, with both officials consistently ranking among the highest performers. The survey, conducted between November 18 and 25, 2024, evaluated the performance of various Principal Secretaries.

Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said Dr Omollo has succeeded on all fronts in the service to the president and made it easier for Ruto to work with leaders from Nyanza.

“It is true that Omollo has not antagonized the political leadership of the region but he has helped develop a friendship between the president and the region’s leadership. He is such a blessing to the president and to us the people of Nyanza. We thank the president for trusting him with that powerful position. As a people of Nyanza, we owe the president a debt,” he said.

Public participation engagement for Naivasha to Kisumu SGR ongoing.

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By Anderson Ojwang

The proposed Naivasha to Kisumu Standard Railway Gauge (SGR) is becoming a reality following ongoing public engagement by the government.

The SGR will revolutionize the transport and economic activities in the region once concluded.

The government has embarked on public participation in the Standard Railway Gauge phase 2B from Naivasha to Kisumu.

The public participation is on the resettlement plan study on the affected people and engagement meetings.

In a letter addressed to the Deputy County Commissioner by the consulting firm, Apec Consortium Limited dated 23rd January 2025 sought to inform the office about the public engagement and mobilise members of the public for the meeting.

Mr Augestine Mwenga for the consortium wrote in parts ” As you are aware Kenya Railways proposes to construct a Standard Guage Railway (SGR) track, from Naivasha to Kisumu port about 263kms which is part of the regional project aimed at improving regional connectivity from Naivasha to Malaba and Kampala with links to South Sudan, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The project is aimed at promoting the socio-economic development of the country and the entire region.

The proposed project phase traverses through five counties Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, Narok and Kisumu.

Apec Consortium Limited has been undertaking a resettlement action plan study with the objective of identifying the project corridor and affected persons and developments within the immediate precinct of the proposed SGR alignment corridor, as well as the assessment of the probable effects of the project on the socio-economic activities within the project areas.

The study involves direct interaction with the project-affected persons, to create awareness on the said impact on their livelihood and properties“.

Several such public participation meetings have been held in other counties from last year.

Is It Time for President Matiang’i? The Reawakening of a Political Force

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Junior Secondary Schools

By Billy Mijungu

The political tides in Kenya are shifting once again and this time all eyes are on a new configuration that could redefine the landscape ahead of the next general election. Dr Fred Matiang’i, a man once known as the no-nonsense Interior CS, is rumoured to be crafting a formidable alliance with notable figures such as George Natembeya, Eugene Wamalwa and Cleophas Malala. These developments, coupled with the ongoing manoeuvres in Western Kenya and Mount Kenya, signal that Kenya’s political chessboard is undergoing a radical realignment.

At the heart of this transformation is Musalia Mudavadi whose decision to merge the Amani National Congress (ANC) with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) seems to have backfired. While he hoped to secure a seat at the table of power, Mudavadi appears to have unwittingly paved the way for the younger generation to seize control of Western Kenya’s political destiny. His decision to fold his party, a move questioned by many, stands in stark contrast to Moses Wetang’ula’s approach. Wetang’ula, ever the cautious strategist, has held on to Ford Kenya ensuring his stake in the region remains intact.

This vacuum in Western Kenya’s leadership has become fertile ground for the likes of Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya and Cleophas Malala to emerge as key players. Their rumoured alliance with Matiang’i signals the rise of a fresh, dynamic force that could finally bridge the generational gap in Kenyan politics. If Mudavadi’s wisdom is in question, Wetang’ula’s pragmatism appears to be the guidepost for those looking to maintain relevance in the shifting sands of political alliances.

Beyond Western Kenya, a quiet but seismic movement is taking shape under the surface. Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni’s declaration that the party will field a presidential candidate, one who is not from the Kikuyu community, has fueled speculation that Matiang’i could be the chosen one. The symbolism of such a move is profound, especially in the context of ODM Senator Richard Onyonka’s recent announcement of a community initiative to endorse Matiang’i this weekend. This rallying of support suggests that Matiang’i is not merely a player but a potential frontrunner.

Mount Kenya, once seen as the bedrock of the Kikuyu political hegemony, is showing signs of fracturing. With Uhuru Kenyatta’s lingering influence and Rigathi Gachagua’s growing sway, Matiang’i could inherit a solid six million vote head start if he plays his cards right. If this happens, the former Interior CS could emerge as a unifying figure not only for his Gusii community but for the entire Azimio coalition.

It is worth noting that Kalonzo Musyoka, despite his seasoned presence, seems stuck in a rut. While he has been spotted courting influential figures such as Kioni, Gachagua and Uhuru, his inability to break out of his perceived stagnation among Kenya’s political elite could hinder his ambitions. For now, he remains a wildcard in this unfolding narrative.

The larger picture here is Azimio la Umoja’s surprising resurgence. What seemed like a fractured coalition after the last election is now rebuilding itself with unimaginable momentum. ODM’s potential backing of Matiang’i, coupled with endorsements from key regions and communities, could usher in a new political era.

So, is it Matiang’i’s time? That seems more like a rhetorical question. The former CS has cultivated a reputation for decisive leadership and integrity and these qualities could catapult him to the highest office. However, Kenyan politics is unpredictable and nothing is ever set in stone. What is clear, however, is that the country is yearning for a fresh start and Matiang’i might just be the man to deliver it.

The coming months will reveal whether this alliance holds or falters under the weight of competing ambitions. For now, Matiang’i’s star appears to be rising and the winds of change are blowing in his favour.

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