By Anderson Ojwang

After the 10 February 1984 Wagalla massacre by the Kenya Army, on Monday President William Ruto will preside over the healing and reconciliation of Wajir and open a new chapter in the region with infrastructural development.

Madaraka Day, a special day in Kenya’s historic calendar as the day the country attained internal self-rule from the British colonial administration, will on Monday see the Wajir celebration mark a new chapter and dawn between the Kenya Army and the community.

The Madaraka celebration in Wajir is significant not only to the region but nationally, as it will heal old wounds and help erase the sad memories of the 1984 massacre.

During the massacre, government troops were ordered to stop clan violence in the area and did so by first detaining some 5,000 locals at an airstrip, denying them food and water for a week, and then shooting them. The massacre was not investigated by the Kenya government until 2011.

President Ruto’s healing and reconciliation

Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo recently led the National Celebrations Steering Committee on an inspection visit of Wajir Stadium and related infrastructure in Wajir County.

“The visit focused on assessing preparedness for the national event, including stadium readiness, logistical arrangements and supporting facilities to ensure a smooth and dignified celebration. With rehearsals already underway, teams on the ground are fine-tuning coordination, movement and programme flow to guarantee seamless execution on the day of the celebrations,” he said.

In the team were the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, host Governor Hon. Ahmed Abdullahi, colleague PS Ummi Bashir (Culture, Arts & Heritage), Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Ahmed Abdisalan, and Wajir East MP Hon. Adan Daud.

He said the decision to hold the celebration in Wajir was part of the national policy to rotate key celebrations across regions and promote inclusive development.

“Wajir Town hosting this year’s Madaraka Day marks a historic first for the North Eastern Region,” he said.

Development

Dr Omollo said in preparation, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) were on the ground upgrading critical road networks to bitumen standards – an intervention that not only supports the successful hosting of the event but also unlocks long-term gains in trade, connectivity and urban growth.

“The upgraded corridors are being designed to sustain a vibrant 24-hour economy, integrating modern features such as solar street lighting and clearly marked pedestrian crossings to enhance mobility, safety and accessibility within the town,” he said.

The PS said in tandem, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration was playing a key role in ensuring that these urban improvements were grounded in safety and order, reinforcing secure public spaces and coordinated operations that support both the event and the town’s continued transformation.

First stadium

Dr Omollo said from independence, Wajir has never had a stadium, relying instead on open, undeveloped grounds such as Wajir Baraza Park for community events and public gatherings.

“Sixty-two years later, under the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, the town is witnessing a transformative shift, demonstrated in the rapid progress of the Wajir Stadium, now 84 percent complete,” he said.

Dr Omollo said works were being fast-tracked ahead of the June 1st Madaraka Day celebrations, positioning the facility as both a national event venue and a long-term asset for sports development in the region.

“Managed by the Ministry of Defence through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the ultra-modern complex is on course for timely completion, allowing adequate time for national rehearsals,” he said.

He said the 10,000-seater stadium features a full-sized football pitch designed for artificial turf installation, a standard eight-lane running track, modern changing rooms, VIP lounges, spectator amenities and terrace seating with seat installation works underway, alongside ample parking and a borehole that ensures a reliable water supply for overall operations.

“This investment is set to unlock significant benefits for Wajir and the wider North Eastern Region, providing a platform for local talent to thrive, stimulating small businesses and fostering social cohesion through sports and community events,” he said.

He said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration was leading a multi-agency team in delivering the project, ensuring seamless coordination and high standards.

“The Department will also continue to safeguard the facility beyond the celebrations, reinforcing security and preserving it as a safe, vibrant public space for years to come,” he said.

By Anderson Ojwang

The Kenyan Parliament descended into discussing Arsenal Football Club’s Premier League victory and this Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, while Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni wondered what the celebrations and the hype were all about.

In Parliament, the Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, a known Arsenal supporter, chided his Manchester United counterpart, saying: “Arsenal are the champions. The Holy Bible tells us that salvation is not judged by longevity. It is just at the moment it happens. And Mwenje is damn right. Arsenal won the league, they are the champions, and they will win the Champions League. Order! Let’s not spend too much of our time discussing Man U, a team that was near relegation last season.”

In Uganda, Museveni said Africans should focus more on jobs, development and poverty eradication than on European football.

Museveni said he was surprised to learn that some people expected him to celebrate Arsenal’s title victory.

“They’re inviting me. Now, the other day, people were telling me that they’re inviting me. One of my people was inviting me to something called Arsenal. I said, ‘What is Arsenal?’ It is a European football club, which I don’t know what they have done, and I should go to celebrate. Celebrate for what? I was a footballer myself. Nobody can tell me about football, but I gave up football in 1966. I am in Uganda. Liberation, poverty, jobs. So please, okay, you can have your Arsenal, you can have those things, but start with the people, please. Start with your own people.”

But back in Kenya’s National Assembly, Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala lit the flame in the House after he said a fashion shop in Nairobi was packed to the brim with Arsenal fans buying jerseys ahead of the Saturday final.

“Mr Speaker, I have been to a shop right now. I went to buy an Arsenal attire. Mr Speaker, the line that is there, the shop is full, and the shop is called East-West Sportswear on Moi Avenue. Honourable Speaker, Arsenal is the team to watch, and on Saturday we are prepared, all of us, to cheer Arsenal as they win the championship. Thank you,” he said.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiare interjected by declaring his interest as a Manchester United fan and dismissed Arsenal as non-starters.

“I must declare my interest that Manchester United is my team, which I support. That great team remembers when they last won this Premier League. Not teams that won the Premier League when some children who are now adults, grown up, were not even born. They have just won this Premier League by fluke, Mr Speaker, and we know the real champion will be claiming it in the next season. Thank you very much,” he said.

Museveni questioned why Africans should become consumed by foreign football culture while many communities continue struggling with economic hardship.

“How can you be celebrating European clubs when your people don’t have development?” he asked.

Recently, matatu operators went on strike over the fuel hike and paralysed the transport system for two days until the government brokered a deal with the operators.

Hopefully, after Saturday’s game, Kenyans will be waiting for the Assembly to passionately discuss the harsh economy, challenges in education including the disbursement of HELB funds to students and universities, school capitation, and the high cost of fuel.

By Anderson Ojwang

A drop in the ocean and what could be viewed as a slap on the face, after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was only given Sh200 million, accounting for 1.67 percent of the political funds owed to it by the government.

The debt, which formed one of the pillars in the formation of the broad-based alliance between the late Raila Amolo Odinga and President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has seen the government fail to meet its side of the bargain.

Despite the immediate former ODM national chairman, John Mbadi, sitting in the powerful seat of Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury, the funds have not been forthcoming to the party.

ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, on Wednesday during a TV interview, said the government has only disbursed Sh200 million to the party to run its errands.

“Gi e sani gisemiyowa gimoro ma wawuotho godo. Maromo sh200m ma sani wan godo e agulu. Ma watemo organize godo activities magwa (As at now, the government has given us something small for operations. They gave Sh200 million to organise our activities),” he said.

Oburu expressed optimism that the government would factor in additional funds to pay ODM in the new financial year.

“Wa negotiate kod piny owacho mondo kik wadhi e yiero ka waonge pesa. Waparo ni budget ma higani wabiro yudo e gimoro matin (We are negotiating with the government so that we don’t go to the elections with unpaid debts. We hope in this year’s budget we will get something small),” he said.

Recently, in Mombasa during an ODM strategic meeting with elected leaders, ODM’s deputy party leader Simba Arati said before any pre-election coalition, they would demand payment of the Sh12 billion debt from the government.

He said the payment of Sh12 billion in political funds owed to ODM was one of the irreducible minimum conditions before the talks.

“I want to say something here. The debts that the government owes us, kindly our brothers, pay us. We will not have any talks. The government owes ODM, and we want the government to pay us. The minimum irreducible number one item is the Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury, John Mbadi, present here. Kindly pay our money first before we can engage in talks,” he said.

Interestingly and surprisingly, Mbadi, once a loud voice in demanding that the government of President Ruto should pay ODM’s debt, who was present at the strategic meeting, remained silent and ignored the matter altogether when it was raised by the media.

Mbadi, upon assumption of office, has maintained studious silence on the matter and currently prefers to campaign for President Ruto’s second term.

Even after the media asked about the debt, it was Mbadi’s successor, Gladys Wanga, who rose to respond to the question and only confirmed the amount owed to the party.

When Mbadi addressed the media, he gave the topic a wide berth and instead called for the unity of ODM under the leadership of Dr Oburu Oginga as the party leader.

“Our being here is in recognition first that there is always a time to lead and a time to leave others to lead. We have this party. My two colleagues here have been deputy party leaders, while I have been the national party chairman for 10 years. But we were seconded to the government by this party, and so we could not hold the same positions. But there are people who have succeeded us. We must give them support, work with them, and work under them. Because when it comes to the party machineries, they are above us, and we are their subjects. We have come to demonstrate unity in ODM and that ODM is one under the leadership of Dr Oburu Oginga as the party leader,” he said.

Ruto’s tokens

Recently, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua challenged the ODM leadership to request President William Ruto to disburse the Sh12 billion political fund owed to the party by the government.

Gachagua said it was unfortunate that the leadership was driven by tokenism from the President instead of seeking the disbursement of political funds owed to them.

“Instead of going for tokens, kindly ask the President to disburse even half of the amount owed to make the party financially sound. Former party national chairman John Mbadi is the current Cabinet Secretary for Finance. Why can’t he arrange to release funds to ODM? We need a stronger party with a sound financial standing. This is what the party leadership should prioritise,” Gachagua said.

But in a quick response, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga told Gachagua to give them a break and that they do not want his advice.

“Gachagua should give us a break. He should concentrate on his village party, DCP. He has built his politics on hate and division,” she said.

Parallel funding

In a recent interview, the embattled party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna revealed that the funds and resources being used in the ongoing Linda Ground engagement did not come from the party.

He said the party was owed over Sh12 billion by the government for political party funds, which has negated its operations.

“The money and the resources you see being spent on the ODM rallies called Linda Ground, the monies do not come from ODM headquarters. For me, I can only account for the monies because I am a signatory to the bank accounts. Timothy Bosire is a signatory to the bank accounts. The last money we expended as ODM officially was for the celebration in Mombasa, and it was a fraction of what you saw there,” he said.

Sifuna said there was parallel funding of political activities in the party and they do not know where the funds were coming from.

“For a fact, there is parallel funding for activities clothed in ODM colours, and they go around saying they are ODM delegates.”

Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga supported Sifuna’s concerns over the financing of ODM Linda Ground activities and wondered about the source of money flowing into the party.

“As a signatory to the ODM account, if Sifuna questioned where all the money for choppers, big tents and ODM branded t-shirts and caps in the ‘Linda Ground’ conventions were coming from…”

A new battle front in ODM over the Sh12 billion debt

A new battle front has erupted over the Sh12 billion debt, with Siaya Governor James Orengo criticising the Linda Ground faction for not recognising his legal contribution.

Orengo wrote on his social media platforms: “It is a matter of public record that I personally initiated the legal proceedings on behalf of ODM to determine the funds owed to the party by the Government. The Ksh 12 billion figure exists today only because of the ruling in the case I filed. It is ironical to see the ‘Linda Tumbo’ group now demanding these funds from the President without acknowledging the legal groundwork I laid, choosing instead to target me with personal attacks.”

But in a hard-hitting response, a statement from the party accused Orengo of having reneged on his early promise to act for free on behalf of the party.

The statement said it was important to set the record straight regarding the Political Parties Fund case that the party successfully litigated.

“We have noted the claim by Gov. James Orengo that he personally initiated the matter. With respect, that position is not accurate. The true position, as borne out by the Party’s records, is that the National Executive Committee deliberated on the issue and formally resolved that the case be filed on behalf of the Party. At the material time, Gov. Orengo was brought on board as a senior-ranking member with legal expertise specifically to offer legal services on a pro bono basis,” read the statement.

The statement also accused Orengo of failing to institute the proceedings through his law firm but instead bringing in another law firm.

“That was the clear understanding. However, instead of instituting the proceedings through his own law firm, he conveniently introduced the firm of Ms. Julie Soweto, which ultimately filed the petition. From that point, the character of the engagement shifted from what had been understood as a pro bono undertaking into a contractual legal arrangement,” the statement read in parts.

It went further to state that the law firm was paid Sh40 million for the service.

“Following the Party’s success in the High Court in 2016 and subsequently in the Court of Appeal in 2018, demands for legal fees began to be made. Ms. Soweto’s law firm was paid Kes. 40 million by the party. The demand came as a surprise to everyone, including the Party Leader, the late Raila Odinga. There was nothing ‘PRO-BONO’. The documentary trail in this regard is clear and verifiable, and Hon. Orengo has personally received these payments. There is evidence to that effect,” the statement read.

By Anderson Ojwang

The recent Maseno School 120th anniversary birthed a master plan for prosperity.

After decades of academic dominance in national examinations and sports, Maseno School finally turned its attention to infrastructural development.

At the heart of the rewriting of the Maseno School infrastructural master plan were President William Ruto, the Ministry of Education, the Old Boys Alumni, and the current Maseno School administration.

President Ruto, in his opening remarks, stated: “There are schools that educate students, and there are institutions that shape the destiny of a nation. Maseno School belongs to the latter category. Some 120 years ago, when this institution was founded, the Republic of Kenya as we know it today did not exist. Yet here, at the foothills of Mabungu Hills along the border of present-day Kisumu and Vihiga counties, the foundation of what would become a towering institution of academic excellence was already being laid.”

President Ruto said for 12 decades, Maseno School has stood not merely as a centre of learning but as a living monument to the enduring power of education, discipline, leadership, service and nationhood.

“Generations have passed through these gates carrying the hopes and aspirations of families and a nation searching for its place in history,” he said.

The Anniversary

President Ruto said the anniversary, therefore, was not merely a celebration of longevity; it was a celebration of continuity, institutional excellence and national memory.

“I have been taken around this institution and I have encountered sites that are not merely school landmarks but important monuments of our national heritage. I have seen the historic Oseno tree under which the first six students began their journey. I have visited the house where the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga lived while teaching here between 1943 and 1945. I have also seen the chapel built in 1906 at the very dawn of this institution’s existence. These are not ordinary places; they are living chapters of Kenya’s history,” he said.

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said Maseno School’s 120th anniversary was a historic tribute to an institution whose legacy in education, leadership and nation-building remains profound. Maseno has shaped generations of Kenyans.

“It was an honour to join H.E. President William Ruto, alumni, teachers, parents and students in celebrating this enduring heritage. For me, the occasion was also deeply personal, given that my late father Canon Hesbon Nyong’o, my brothers Omondi Nyong’o and the late Prof Aggrey Nyong’o all passed through and served this great institution,” he said.

He said as Kisumu County, they remained committed to supporting Maseno School through the Maseno Municipality as a centre of education, innovation and sustainable growth.

Master plan: Infrastructural game changer

President Ruto thanked the school administration, the board and the alumni for thinking outside the box and looking at a new Maseno that will serve the nation for the next 100 years.

“I like their boldness, thinking and vision. I want to assure you that you have my support. I have been informed that while Maseno’s academic performance continues to rise, some of its support infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace,” he said.

President Ruto said Maseno School’s infrastructural development was a matter that deserved attention because an institution of such stature must be supported to match its historic mission and future responsibility.

“We shall work closely with the administration and the alumni to upgrade its physical infrastructure so that it fully reflects the stature, heritage and standing of Kenya’s premier institutions of learning,” he said.

The new master plan will make it a model centre of excellence, with the government to construct a total of 40 classrooms by the end of the year.

President Ruto said: “Having read the vision of Maseno going into the future and understanding well why you invited me here, William Ruto and friends, because it’s going to be a collaborative effort, we are going to build 40 classrooms to accommodate 1,600 students.”

President Ruto said the Alumni Association had already raised Sh80 million that will be directed towards the construction of the STEM Complex (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

The President said the Ministry of Education will provide computers for the ICT department of the school.

Also on the menu is the construction of an ultramodern multipurpose hall through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education providing Sh40 million while Maseno School will top it up with an additional Sh30 million.

The multipurpose hall is expected to accommodate at least 5,000 people.

President Ruto said the Ministry of Housing was to construct a dormitory to accommodate 2,000 students.

Maseno standing strong

He said Maseno has for 12 decades stood strong, and it was time to upgrade the infrastructure.

“Empires have risen and faded. Governments have changed. Political seasons have come and gone. Yet Maseno has endured, producing leaders, scholars, clergy, scientists, public servants, and patriots who helped shape Kenya and East Africa into what they are today. We honoured that rich legacy today with a pledge to upgrade learning facilities at the institution, some of which were built by Maseno’s founders, the Church Missionary Society, in 1906,” he said.

He said while many schools rise and fall with seasons and circumstances, Maseno has consistently remained among the leading centres of academic excellence in Kenya.

“That consistency is not accidental. It is the product of culture, discipline, institutional pride, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

By Erick Otieno

The National Government and the County Government of Migori have intensified efforts aimed at eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties through a high-level stakeholders’ engagement tour.

The two-day working tour was led by Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Mrs Anna Wendot, together with Principal Secretary for Children Services, Mrs Caren Ageng’o, and Migori County Deputy Governor, Dr Mahiri Gimunta.

The tour brought together various stakeholders, including Migori County First Lady Dr Agnes Ochilo, Anti-FGM Board Chairlady Madam Ipato Komen, National Government Affirmative Action Fund Chairlady Rebecca Maroa, Chief Officer for Gender, Culture, Inclusivity and Social Services Prof Rose Ogwang Odhiambo, World Vision Kenya officials, NGAO officers and other development partners.

Speaking during the engagement, Cabinet Secretary Anna Wendot expressed concern over the increasing number of vulnerable children living away from parental care across the country.

“We currently have over 44,000 children who are not under the care of their parents and are being supported by the government and various children’s homes,” said the CS.

She urged parents and guardians to take full responsibility for the safety and upbringing of their children, warning against the growing cases of child abduction, murder and violence against women being witnessed in the country.

“In the recent past, we have experienced several cases of stolen children, killed children and also killings of women. We strongly condemn this emerging vice in our country,” she added.

Migori County Deputy Governor Dr Mahiri Gimunta, who hails from the Kuria community, commended World Vision Kenya for the impactful programmes it has implemented in Kuria since 2023, particularly those supporting the girl child and vulnerable families.

Dr Gimunta reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to completely eradicate harmful cultural practices in the region.

“As a county government, we will continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that FGM, child marriage and Gender-Based Violence are totally eradicated in Migori County, particularly in Kuria,” he stated.

Principal Secretary for Children Services Mrs Caren Ageng’o noted with concern that the Kuria community still records one of the highest prevalence rates of FGM in Kenya.

“The Kuria community is still leading in Kenya on matters of FGM at 78 per cent, while other communities that previously practised the vice have significantly reduced their rates to nearly 15 per cent,” said the PS.

The leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between the National Government, county governments, development partners and local communities in advancing child protection and safeguarding the rights of women and children.

The tour focused on aligning strategic priorities and fostering a coordinated and results-oriented approach towards eliminating harmful practices and improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society in Migori County.