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Sifuna “steals” Raila, ODM’s soul as Oburu remains with the head in parallel NDCs

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lom robb
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By Anderson Ojwang

Two historic venues, Jamhuri Park and Ufangamano House, heralded a new post-Raila Amolo Odinga political dispensation in his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

The two factions in the ODM, Linda Ground of Dr Oburu Oginga and Linda Wananchi of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, made good their plans and held parallel NDCs, with various branches showing affiliation to the two camps.

At Ufangamano House, the high presence of police and armoured anti-riot vehicles—a trademark that became part and parcel of Raila’s and ODM’s political journey—returned. The police built camp outside the venue.

The die-hard Raila supporters did not fail the Sifuna-led team, as they forced their way into the venue, with Sifuna declaring that they should not fear the police and tear gas.

“We are in the footsteps of our leader Raila Odinga. What can we fear? That is why they sent the police to intimidate us. But we cannot be cowed and we are not cowards,” he said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, who was accompanied by his Siaya County ODM branch chair, capped it by saying the soul of Raila was at Ufangamano House and dismissed the Jamhuri meeting as illegal and unconstitutional.

“The soul of Raila Amolo Odinga is here. We are the children of Raila Odinga. We are reformists and fighters. We are winners. Those are opportunists,” Orengo said.

Sifuna also declared that he cannot work with the party leader Dr Oburu, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Director of Elections Junet Mohammed.

At Jamhuri Park, the NDC confirmed Oburu, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulsamad Nassir as deputy party leaders, while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was ratified as the National Chairperson.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was kicked out as deputy party leader, while Sifuna’s post was left intact. Osotsi had earlier written that he would not attend but would instead be at the Linda Mwananchi meeting at Ufangamano.

He wrote, “We, the people, shall gather for the people’s NDC at Ufangamano House. Any other NDC gathering is illegitimate.”

The much-lobbied bid for Winnie Odinga to become deputy party leader failed to materialise, and she appealed to the party leadership not to expel anyone from the party.

Oburu told Winnie that the party would not expel anyone, but officials causing disunity would have to be sacked from their positions.

“I have heard what my daughter Winnie has said. We will not expel anyone, but those holding positions in the party who are causing disunity will have to be sacked. You cannot come out to criticise the resolution of the majority and want to lean on your tribe to support your agenda. The minority will have their say, but the majority their way. That is democracy,” he said.

Oburu said he would not wish to witness the party follow the path it took at its formation, following the battle over leadership between ODM-K under Raila and Kalonzo Musyoka.

Oburu said the party will form a technical team to negotiate with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over pre-election coalition arrangements.

“My brother left us in a broad-based government. I have been mandated to embark on negotiations. I will form a technical team to negotiate with UDA,” he said.

But Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said their objective was to ensure President Ruto was defeated in the 2027 general elections and that they would not enter or recognise any pre-election coalition engagement.

“We know President Ruto sponsored the Oburu NDC and they have fallen into his trap. We know what Raila wanted, and we cannot betray his soul and legacy in death,” he said.

Junet said ODM will not negotiate with UDA in areas considered its strongholds, adding that zoning was the first condition.

“We will not allow UDA to field candidates in zones where ODM has governors, MPs, MCAs and other elected leaders. That is non-negotiable,” he said.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said Oburu had presided over the death of his younger brother Raila’s legacy.

He wrote on social media, “Oburu’s team, you are messing up Raila’s legacy. Take a rest, alone, and think about when you visited your brother in prison.”

Linda Mwananchi, after “stealing” Raila’s soul, now moves to Mombasa this weekend, while Linda Ground embarks on boardroom negotiations with President Ruto.

For Oburu, history may have caught up with him in just five months—presiding over the first sacking in Raila’s party and witnessing the disintegration of his brother’s political outfit.

Just like the battle between Raila, a former Vice President, and the late Wamalwa Kijana over control of Ford-K, Oburu has stoked a similar flame, pitting him against Sifuna.

It may only be a matter of time before Oburu carries the “head” to Kango ka Jaramogi, while Sifuna flies with the “soul” to the land of prophet Elijah Masinde, just as Wamalwa once did.

Kenya Showcases Continental Strength as All-Africa Junior Team Championship Concludes

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lom robb
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By PHILLIP ORWA

Kenya once again demonstrated its growing stature as a hub for golf development following the successful conclusion of the All-Africa Junior Team Championship yesterday at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club.

The three-day championship brought together the continent’s top junior golfers, delivering high-quality competition, strong team performances, and a clear indication of the rising standards of the game across Africa.

The event also highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in growing the game, with NCBA continuing to play a key role in supporting junior golf development through its partnership with the Junior Golf Foundation.

Chris Kinuthia, Chairman of the Kenya Golf Union, praised both the organisation and the broader impact of hosting the event.

“It’s been a very wonderful experience. We have hosted the whole of Africa here in Kenya, and this being the biggest junior golf event on the continent, it means the world is watching. The feedback from participating countries has been very positive, and that reflects well on us as a nation. This tournament shows that Kenya is not only a golfing powerhouse, but a sports powerhouse.” said Kinuthia.

He also recognised the role of partners in supporting the growth of the sport and the performance of junior golfers.

“When you have the attention of the world here, there are many benefits that come with it. Our partners have played a big role, and especially NCBA, who have walked this journey with the juniors from the beginning. When you look at the level of performance in a tournament like this, it reflects that kind of support. We appreciate how they are supporting golf, not just at the junior level, but across the game.” he added.

The event further underscored the steady rise of junior golf in Kenya, driven by structured programmes and increased access to competition.

According to Vincent Mukiri, the championship marked a major milestone for the sport. **“The tournament has been electric, very exciting for us as administrators, for the juniors, and even for the parents. This is one of the top junior events we have hosted in the country, and it opens up many opportunities for us, both in junior and even senior golf. There are so many learnings, so many connections that have been made, and these will go a long way in extending the reach of junior golf in Kenya.

When we came into this tournament, we had both individual and team goals. We were aiming for gold, but we are very happy with the number two finish. As we continue building junior golf, we rely heavily on partnerships. Sponsors and collaborators allow us to go to places we would not reach and engage more young players.”**

Mukiri further highlighted the impact of long-term support in expanding the game. “Our top sponsor is NCBA, and they have supported us for several years. Through that support, we are able to run between 40 to 50 tournaments annually and carry out grassroots training programmes. When we started, we had about 3,000 juniors, and now we are at around 5,000 to 6,000. That growth is a direct result of consistent support, which allows us to operate at a much bigger level than we would on our own.”

For the players, the championship provided both exposure and a platform to test themselves against the best on the continent. Kenya’s Mwathi Gicheru, one of the top local performers, emphasised the importance of such opportunities.

“It’s a great privilege to compete at this level. I’m really happy with how we performed as a team; that was the most important thing for us. Tournaments like this and the support we get, especially with NCBA sponsoring many of our junior events, really help our growth. The more experience we get, the better we become.”

South Africa’s Andries Van Der Vyver, who emerged among the standout performers, reflected on his victory and the level of competition.

“It was a great day for me. I didn’t start that well, but I managed to finish strong. To play against some of the best players in Africa is a big privilege, and to come out as champion is an honour. This is part of the journey for me, and I hope to keep improving and achieving bigger goals in the game.”

The successful hosting of the championship not only reinforced Kenya’s capability to stage world-class junior tournaments, but also highlighted the strength of its development ecosystem, where consistent investment, structured competition, and strong partnerships continue to shape the future of the sport.

NAIROBI CITY THUNDER TARGET STRONGER BAL CAMPAIGN

By
lom robb
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BY PHILLIP ORWA

Nairobi City Thunder will be returning to the Basketball Africa League for their second consecutive season with high hopes, focusing on building on last year’s lessons and competing at a higher level.

Head Coach Bradlet Ibs and Captain Tylor Ongwae, speaking during the team’s media day ahead of BAL Season 6 in Pretoria, South Africa, set the tone with clarity, cohesion, and competitive intent.

For a team that made its BAL debut just a year ago, the return is not about participation. It is about progression.

Coach Ibs says the team’s approach this year is rooted in understanding what it takes to succeed in BAL competition.

“Last year, being our first year, we learned a lot about what it means to play in the BAL. We’re excited to represent ourselves and truly show Thunder basketball.”

That growth has been anchored in simplifying their approach. Despite their dominance in the local league, Thunder are placing emphasis on execution and preparation.

“In a tournament like this, being prepared is a lot about the basics, being great at the simple things that win basketball games, and learning to win in different ways has benefited us, and we hope those lessons translate to the competition here.” Ibs said.

A key shift from last season is a stronger emphasis on chemistry and continuity, particularly after early challenges in their debut BAL campaign.

“Our team strength is our cohesiveness that is built on our foundation of local core players… and we want to highlight their strengths and chemistry together.

Watching more BAL games, you realise how much chemistry really matters, especially in the ability of players to play fast and aggressive.” he added.

Captain Tylor Ongwae says that cohesion is reinforced through constant communication within the group.

“It’s about engaging with each other. If I see something going wrong, I speak up. If they see something, they talk to me. It’s open communication and just enjoying playing together.”

For Ongwae, the objective remains straightforward.

“At the end of the day, we want to win. Winning solves a lot of problems.”

Nairobi City Thunder open their BAL Season 6 campaign on Saturday, 28th March in an East African derby against Dar City, with tip-off set for 4:00 PM EAT.

Jamhuri Moment: Make or break for ODM

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lom robb
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By Anderson Ojwang

Today, at the historic Jamhuri Park, the legacy of Kenya’s Enigma, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, will come to test.

Five months after his death, Raila’s political party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), will walk to its destiny.

The Special National Delegates Conference (SNDC) will herald a new chapter in the party by either burying or cultivating political careers.

Similarly, ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga will be on the cross at Jamhuri Park, either presiding at the altar of the party’s resurgence or the burial of his younger brother’s treasured asset and legacy.

ODM is walking to the SNDC a divided house with two factions namely Linda Ground of Dr Oburu and Linda Mwananchi of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

History could be repeating itself two decades after the party was formed. At its inception, Orange was split into two with one piece going to Raila while the other went to Kalonzo Musyoka.

And today, the ghost of division has returned and Raila’s spirit is restless, as his party of struggle faces the moment of survival.

Oburu’s wing of Linda Ground may have their way in having the instrument of the party just like Kalonzo Musyoka had with ODM-K but lost the people.

Sifuna’s team of Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino may not have their way in the party but will happily walk away with the people just like Raila did.

And with the Political Parties Tribunal ruling which okayed the SNDC, it delivered a rope to the party to hang itself.

It ruled that for now, Sifuna remains ODM’s Secretary General — pending the final determination of the case.

The Tribunal issued orders staying the implementation of a resolution passed by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, which sought to oust Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General.

The orders will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the matter on an inter partes basis.

The Secretary General Curse

ODM’s seat of the Secretary General could be said to be a cursed one. After the founding Secretary General Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, the post has been an altar of death of political careers.

Langat Mangerer as the Secretary General was kicked out of the office by the party’s lethal wing Men in Black and his political career came tumbling down.

Langat was replaced by then Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba who faced a similar fate at Kasarani during the National Delegates Conference and subsequently resigned.

And currently facing the guillotine is Sifuna, whose fate may be determined today. But unlike Langat and Ababu, Sifuna may walk away a hero while his tormentors may remain with a shell in the name of a party.

Parallel NDC and the Luhya factor in play

ODM of Dr Oburu will be at Jamhuri Park while Orengo and his team will hold a parallel one. This will mark the point of departure. A mass walkout will be in the offing and a possible formation of a new political vehicle.

Already, ODM delegates have voiced their concerns and may follow their son Sifuna on his next political move.

Already a section of Vihiga elders led by Fred Omido warned ODM that the NDC contravenes the rules and the constitution of the party.

They also warned MPs from the region elected on the ODM ticket not to attend Oburu’s meeting but instead go to Sifuna’s one.

“Oburu’s meeting is illegal. We have agreed that ODM MPs from Western Kenya who attend the meeting shall have betrayed the Luhya community.

We will not attend that Oburu’s meeting. We will go to Sifuna’s meeting and that is where we are directing our MPs to attend,” he said.

The delegates’ confusion

Already trouble is brewing over the list of the delegates with some claiming the list has been tampered with and manipulated. For instance, in Nyando and Muhoroni factions have emerged.

In Nyando, area MP Jared Opiyo and MCA Ken Okoth have different sets of delegates and a similar script is playing out in Muhoroni between Robert Nyasuna and area MP Onyango Koyoo. And this is replicating in several other regions.

The Winnie Odinga factor

The Nairobi branch has insisted that Winnie Odinga must be made one of the party’s deputy leaders against opposition from some quarters. This could be the faultline leading to a chaotic situation during the meeting.

Winnie said the Nairobi branch must have a seat at the SNDC on March 27th because of their contribution and that ODM was her home.

“ODM is our home. ODM is the party my father built. Why should I leave and go where? I will remain in ODM. In this journey it has not been easy. We still have a place to go and the party position should be considered for those people who have put their lives in the struggle. It is in Nairobi where we demonstrate and not the villages. There are no demos in the villages. You cannot deny Nairobi its right. Nairobi must have a seat on the day. On March 27th, Nairobi will have our day and say,” she said.

ODM Deputy Party leader Abdulsamad Nassir said there was a possibility for a consideration for Winnie to be made as one of the deputy party leaders.

He said a proposal had been made by the Nairobi branch and the SNDC could consider it after the party leader Dr Oburu Oginga’s position is ratified by the delegates at the convention.

“Winnie qualifies to be deputy party leader. There is a proposition which has been done by delegates in Nairobi. In this SNDC, the agenda has been published but in the same way we got into office.

A proposal can come in to make her deputy party leader and the proposal can be considered once our party leader has been ratified. It is something that can definitely be discussed. She has a future. I said this at Raila Odinga’s funeral,” he said.

ODM National chairman Gladys Wanga said Winnie qualified but the SNDC was called for the purpose of ratification of the officials, and they will have an ordinary NDC at the end of every fifth year.

Jamhuri moment could be the final rite of passage of the Enigma as his decades of struggle take their last breath.

Bodyguard of Kanyaluo MCA stabs student to death, leaves his brother fighting for his life in hospital over political difference at a local pub

By
lom robb
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0

By Correspondent

A college student was stabbed to death while his elder brother is fighting for his life at a local hospital in Karachuonyo after they were attacked by a bodyguard of the Kanyaluo ward following a political difference at a local pub in Omboga Market in Karachuonyo constituency.

The deceased, Clinton Otieno, a student at a technical institution in Homa Bay town, was allegedly stabbed to death by the bodyguard of area MCA Jeff Ongoro and left for dead.

The suspect then stabbed Otieno’s elder brother, occasioning bodily harm, and he is admitted at a local hospital in the area.

The fight broke out over a political difference between the deceased and the suspect over the Karachuonyo parliamentary seat, which Ongoro and Mr. Day Abeka from the ward have expressed interest in.

The deceased had in the morning attended President William Ruto’s inspection of the Adiedo-Karabok road. He had a banner written “Ruto Kumi bila break. Broad base tuko na power” to welcome the president to the area.

On his return after attending the presidential function, he walked into a local pub to while away the evening and engaged his friends in a debate on President Ruto’s and governor Gladys Wanga’s re-election and his MP candidate for Karachuonyo.

This enraged the MCA’s bodyguard, who first bought them a round of alcohol and allegedly declared that they should support his candidate for the parliamentary seat.

The mother, Rose Atieno, a widow, wondered why the bodyguard of the MCA would kill her child and leave the other fighting for his life.

“I have struggled to educate my children after their father’s demise and it’s unfortunate that my struggle has gone down the drain. I demand justice and let the suspect be arrested and charged in court,” she said.

Clerk to the County Assembly of Homa Bay, Mr. Day Abeka, confirmed the suspect was an employee of the assembly and aide to the MCA.

“The suspect was brought on board at the assembly as the security of the MCA,” he said.

Ongoro said the incident occurred in the bar and that the fight broke out at midnight.

Political intolerance and violence has become a common feature, with youths engaging in running battles at funerals and various functions in the area.

The area OCPD did not pick up his calls and the suspect is said to be on the run.

NCBA Golf Series Heads to Railway as KAGC Circuit Debuts Ulinzi Invitational

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By Phillip Orwa

The 2026 NCBA golf calendar continues to gather momentum this weekend as the NCBA Golf Series heads to Kenya Railway Golf Club for the sixth qualifier of the season on Saturday, while the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) circuit tees off the inaugural Ulinzi Invitational at Kenya Airforce Golf Club.

The Railway qualifier is expected to attract more than 130 golfers seeking to secure their spots in the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale set for later in the year at the Karen Country Club.

Golfers will battle for top honors in multiple categories including the overall gross winner men, overall gross winner lady, overall gross runners up men, overall gross runners up lady, the third and fourth best overall gross, and junior winner.

Meanwhile, attention on the elite amateur circuit shifts to the Kenya Airforce Golf Club, where the Ulinzi Invitational will be played from Friday 27th through to Sunday 29th March, marking one of the two new tournaments introduced into the KAGC calendar this season, the other one being Machakos Open set for mid-April.

The tournament has attracted a competitive field of slightly over 70 golfers, including Rwanda’s Jean D’amour Hitayezu and Felix Dusabe of Kigali Golf Resort & Villas. Among the Kenyan players expected to contend is Michael Warigia of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, who heads into the event in strong form after finishing third at last weekend’s NCBA Muthaiga Open.

Also expected to feature are Longwe Kamoza and Isaac Makokha, as players battle for valuable Order of Merit points and a share of the Sh500,000 prize purse on offer.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the development of golf in Kenya. “At NCBA, we believe in creating platforms that nurture talent and bring the golfing community together. The NCBA Golf Series continues to provide golfers across the country with an opportunity to compete, grow their game, and build meaningful connections. As the series heads to Railway this weekend, we look forward to another exciting round of competition and to seeing more players earn their place at the Grand Finale. It is also a weekend that has action for the elite amateurs as the KAGC circuit continues with the newly introduced Ulinzi Invitational, as well as something for the juniors with the NCBA Coast Junior Open.”

The NCBA Ulinzi Invitational follows closely on the heels of the NCBA Muthaiga Open, where home player Jay Sandhu continued his impressive run of form, claiming his second consecutive KAGC title after a hard-fought victory over a competitive field of more than 140 golfers.

The win saw Sandhu extend his lead at the top of the KAGC Order of Merit standings, with junior star Junaid Manji and defending champion John Lejirma also remaining firmly in the hunt as the season progresses.

Beyond the KAGC action, junior golf also remains firmly in the spotlight. The All Africa Junior Team Championship is set to conclude on Thursday 26th March, while the Coast Junior Open will take place on 28th March.

How Lake Users Are Set to Benefit from the New Ferry in Lake Victoria

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lom robb
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By Habil Onyango

On a Thursday morning, Gladys Anyango, a businesswoman from Ringiti Island, boarded a water bus to Mbita.

Many other passengers were also business people heading to the lakeside town to purchase goods.

However, when she returned in the evening, she unfortunately missed the last water bus back to the island.

With no alternative, she was forced to board a wooden boat along with other passengers and their goods.

“When we reached the middle of the lake, the weather changed drastically, and it started to rain accompanied by a storm,” she recounted.

The overloaded boat overturned, resulting in the tragic loss of five passengers, while the twenty, including Anyango who managed to wear life jackets, survived, albeit losing all of their valuables.

Anyango is a living testimony; she represents the many lake users who have survived tragedies on Lake Victoria due to inadequate safety measures and substandard vessels.

Thousands of residents on islands within Homa Bay County rely solely on water transport to connect with the mainland.
Commuters on Lake Victoria face severe risks, including frequent boat capsizing due to sudden storms, overcrowded and poorly maintained vessels, and a lack of life jackets.

Additional dangers include unpredictable weather patterns, piracy, and the threat of rising water levels damaging infrastructure, leading to overloading or collisions and further lack of safety equipment.

In September 2021, a boat traveling from Homa Bay town pier to Ndhuru beach capsized, resulting in at least two deaths and numerous rescues.

In March 2023, another overloaded boat capsized, causing at least eight fatalities on the lake.
Fishermen have also faced dangers, with several drowning during fishing expeditions after colliding with larger vessels or capsizing due to severe weather.

Lake users are often blamed for the increasing number of deaths, as many ignore safety regulations.
Vessels are frequently overloaded with passengers and cargo and often lack proper safety equipment.

However, some commuters have begun using safer vessels, such as ferries and water buses, which operate within the lake.

This, however, comes at a cost, and in emergencies or to reach certain destinations that some vessels cannot access, commuters are still forced to use wooden boats.

Many boats used for transport are poorly maintained wooden vessels, and rising water levels pose additional dangers to infrastructure, compounded by inadequate port facilities.

As part of the government’s ongoing strategy to harness the blue economy, Kenya Shipyards has commenced construction of a 29-meter shallow draft ferry at the Kisumu Shipyards.

This vessel will be the first public ferry operated by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Lake Victoria.

According to Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Interior Security Permanent Secretary, the project is now 50 per cent complete, with most welding works finished, structural joining completed, and the passenger area ready.

“Ongoing works include electrical piping and painting of sub-structural components,” revealed Omollo.
The ferry will bridge a critical gap in public maritime transport, improving connectivity to island-rich areas such as Homa Bay County, including Mfangano Island, while linking riparian counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, and Migori.

To address safety concerns, the Railway Training Institute (RTI) maritime school in Kisumu is offering training for boat operators (coxswains) through specialized maritime institutions.
The training focuses on enhancing safety, navigation, and technical skills for operating on Lake Victoria.

“This training is driven by the KMA and Kenya Railways to professionalize the blue economy, reduce accidents, and transition operators from traditional, riskier wooden boats to modern fiberglass vessels,” noted Omollo.

Improved Homa Bay Pier to accommodate the ferry
The once-neglected Homa Bay Lakefront is being reclaimed and reimagined into a vibrant, integrated economic zone anchored on the redevelopment of the pier.

The project is transforming the pier into a feed port and a strategic hub for Lake Victoria’s blue economy, positioning Homa Bay as a critical node for trade, transport, tourism, and livelihoods within the lake basin.

Phase II of the redevelopment is currently 70 per cent complete and focuses on critical port infrastructure, including terminal buildings, warehouses supported by three powerhouses, a ferry waiting area, and a permanent KPA office.

This phase also incorporates facilities such as a pedestrian security check booth and 32 cubic meter water storage tanks to support operations and service delivery, with coordinated oversight from the state department for internal security and national administration to ensure secure, orderly, and uninterrupted implementation.

Once fully commissioned, the redeveloped Homa Bay Pier will function as a critical regional gateway, significantly strengthening connectivity across the Lake Basin.
Beyond cross-border linkages within the lake region, the upgraded facility will serve as a strategic connector for counties along the lakeshore, supporting seamless movement of goods and people, and catalyzing economic integration across at least four other lake region counties, including Migori, Kisumu, Siaya, and Busia, underpinned by strengthened security coordination along lake transport corridors.

According to George Otieno, the introduction of the vessel will open up significant trade potential that has yet to be fully exploited by countries in East Africa.
George Ouma, a merchandise trader, hailed the initiative, saying it will enable them to conduct business more efficiently between the two destinations in a shorter period compared to the past.

“As a businessman, I usually travel to various parts of the country, including islands such as Mfangano, Remba, and Ringiti, selling our goods.
However, we often face inconveniences due to transportation issues, forcing us to use wooden boats that risk our lives,” he stated.
“With the planned introduction of a ferry in Lake Victoria, we hope this will make our work easier and much cheaper,” he added.

Gachagua to ODM leadership: Demand for Sh 12B owed by the government instead of tokenism

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By Anderson Ojwang

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked the ODM leadership to request President William Ruto to disburse the Sh 12B 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 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 prioritize,” Gachagua said.

But in a quick response, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga told Gachagua to give them a break and 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.

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 Sh 12 billion by the government for the 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 colors and they go around saying they are ODM delegates.

The Linda Ground are not financed from the ODM coffers and headquarters. There is no money that I executed a cheque for those activities.

We didn’t have any money; the third quarter remittance from the exchequer came two weeks ago, about Sh 100m, and it is a drop in the ocean compared to what exactly ODM is supposed to receive.

ODM is owed a total of Sh 12 billion by the treasury yet we are being told that my former chairperson is the cabinet secretary for Treasury,” he said.

Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga supported Sifuna’s concerns over the financing of the 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? He admitted on national TV that ODM Party has not spent any coin on the campaigns which run into millions of shillings. Those with the answers, why can’t you provide them? Are governors funding the campaigns? Are MPs doing it from the CDF kitty? Did we get a philanthropist that a Party SG is not aware of who is funding the clearly expensive public fora? And what is in it for the ‘philanthropist’?” she questioned.

Ruth Odinga raised the alarm over the free flowing money in the ODM party which was undermining its unity and activities.

She wondered why the government was not releasing the Sh 12 billion owed to the party.

“Where is the money used in flying in choppers, being used to procure big tents and to mobilize and brand crowds in ODM colors, yet the same money cannot be sent to the ODM Party bank accounts only means one thing: control,” she said.

The Political Parties Fund is a constitutional requirement based on the strength of the political party.

“Where is the money coming from? Is it in the Budget and Appropriations Committee at the National Assembly, and I know that the government has not given ODM party money. So where is all the money coming from?” she asked.

Winnie Odinga could become ODM deputy party leader at Friday’s Special National Delegates Conference, says Nassir

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By Anderson Ojwang

EALA MP Winnie Odinga could on Friday find herself becoming one of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leaders at the Special National Delegates Conference (SNDC).

ODM Deputy Party leader Abdulsamad Nassir said there was a possibility for a consideration for Winnie to be made as one of the deputy party leaders.

He said a proposal had been made by the Nairobi branch and the SNDC could consider it after the party leader Dr Oburu Oginga’s position is ratified by the delegates at the convention.

“Winnie qualifies to be deputy party leader. There is a proposition which has been done by delegates in Nairobi. In this SNDC, the agenda has been published but in the same way we got into office.

A proposal can come in to make her deputy party leader and the proposal can be considered once our party leader has been ratified. It is something that can definitely be discussed. She has a future. I said this at Raila Odinga’s funeral,” he said.

ODM National chairman Gladys Wanga said Winnie qualified but the SNDC was called for the purpose of ratification of the officials, and they will have an ordinary NDC at the end of every fifth year.

Recently ODM Nairobi branch delegates endorsed Winnie for the position of deputy party leader, citing the need to fill a leadership gap in the capital.

The endorsement, backed by representatives from all 17 constituencies in the county, comes amid calls for equitable regional representation within the party’s top leadership.

Makadara MP George Aladwa said consultations over the past two months culminated in the decision to front Winnie.

“We have had several meetings in the last two months to look for a representative. Every region has representation in the party. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left us with no representative in the Nairobi region,” Aladwa said.

Winnie said the Nairobi branch must have a seat at the SNDC on March 27th because of their contribution and that ODM was her home.

“ODM is our home. ODM is the party my father built. Why should I leave and go where? I will remain in ODM. In this journey it has not been easy. We still have a place to go and the party position should be considered for those people who have put their lives in the struggle. It is in Nairobi where we demonstrate and not the villages. There are no demos in the villages. You cannot deny Nairobi its right. Nairobi must have a seat on the day. On March 27th, Nairobi will have our day and say,” she said.

Wanga said the dissenting faction in the party was free to attend the convention as they were delegates and dismissed the parallel NDC as a non-issue and starter.

She said they followed the party constitution in calling for the SNDC and are guided by the law and the constitution of the party.

The two factions have planned for separate conventions, with the ODM wing of Linda Ground set to hold its Special National Delegates Conference (SNDC).

Similarly, the Linda Mwanainchi faction will also hold a parallel People’s National Delegates Conference and is also planting legal obstacles for the party leader Dr Oburu Oginga-led wing.

In a press conference, the Linda Mwanainchi faction led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM deputy party leader Geoffrey Osotsi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino announced a parallel NDC to rival the Oburu group.

“On 27th we will hold the People’s National Delegates Convention which will run parallel to the SNDC which has been called by the Linda Ground faction,” Osotsi said.

Interestingly, the deputy party leader, Osotsi also revealed that already some people have moved to court to challenge the legality of the SNDC by the Linda Ground team.

“Some of the ODM members have gone to court questioning the legitimacy and the legality of the NDC,” he said.

Osotsi also termed the SNDC as illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic and instead asked the ODM delegates to attend the people’s convention.

“Linda Mwanainchi, we have made a decision that we are not going to participate in the NDC that has been convened and organized by the Linda Ground group. This is because the NDC is illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic,” he said.

He claimed that Linda Ground were compiling a list of fake delegates to attend the convention.

“They are compiling a list of fake delegates to attend their SNDC. So any ODM members be aware that the SNDC convened by Linda Ground is illegal and should be avoided like a plague. Let them attend the people’s NDC.

That must come out clearly. We control 35 counties of the 47 counties. We expect genuine delegates to attend our meeting as opposed to theirs, which will be fake delegates,” he claimed.

Twist as High Court declines to grant DCI search warrant to Tuju’s home, Wamalwa hits back at Ruto

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By Anderson Ojwang

The bid by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to search the Karen home of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju flopped after High Court Judge D. Mutai declined to give the order.

The Judge said the DCI did not disclose an offence that was to be investigated against Tuju and struck out the application.

“As it stands therefore, I find that on a balance of probabilities, the application does not disclose an offense that is to be investigated on the part of the respondent himself i.e. of him giving false information to a person employed being investigated as against a person employed in the service contrary to section 129 (a) of the penal code.

In view hereof, I find that it is only in the interest of justice that the application be struck out and hereby strike out the application dated 24/3/2026 with no orders as to costs,” he ruled.

And yesterday, former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa asked President Ruto to shed light on how he got the title deed of the disputed commercial land, which he shared with ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga.

Oburu in a recent radio talk show said President Ruto told him that the new owner of the premises has a title deed to the facility and even shared it with him.

“I want to challenge the president to make public how he got into the possession of the title deed and when and how? We may be scavengers but we only need justice for Tuju,” he said.

President Ruto while in Rarieda at the birthplace of Tuju said a solution over the estate of the latter should be found.

Ruto said Tuju should be provided with honest advice in order to salvage his estate over a commercial debt dispute with a commercial bank.

He said the solution to the dispute should be arrived at to enable Tuju to move on with his business.

Ruto said Tuju needs to get honest advisors and accused a section of politicians of using his woes to sell their political agenda.

“Recently some people went to lie to Tuju and asked him to claim he has been abducted. Tuju needs honest friends and advice in order to be helped.

He doesn’t need scavengers who are trying to scavenge about the misfortunes of a citizen. Those looking for prominence over the tribulations of a fellow Kenyan. We want Tuju to be advised and his property salvaged so that he can move on.

They are trying to introduce the name of former president Uhuru Kenyatta in their cheap politics,” he said.

On Monday, Wiper leader and the leader of Azimio La Umoja was driven to the police station after he agreed with the arresting officers that he would be delivered to the facility.

Kalonzo stayed at the police station for hours and condemned the police harassment of Tuju and demanded justice for the former Rarieda MP.

Tuju disappeared on Saturday night after he had on Friday reported to Karen Police Station that he was being trailed by an unmarked vehicle.

Tuju reappeared on Monday and told the press that he had sought refuge at a home near Kiambu to evade his trailers.

However, police on Monday evening arrested Tuju over what they claimed as giving false information to the police.

At the police station, Tuju developed medical complications and was to be treated at the police station before he was transferred to Karen Hospital.

On Tuesday, the police failed to charge him in court after he developed a further complication and had to be rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In the police charge sheet read: “On the 21st day of March 2026 at Entim Sidai Spa and Wellness Sanctuary in Karen within Langata sub county, informed Purity Kobia, a person employed in public service as the OCS Karen police station that he had been traced by unknown assailants and later abducted, information he knew to be intended to be acted upon by the same officer.”

Tuju recently wrote to the Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja seeking his intervention over continued occupation of his business premises by the police.

Tuju said it was wrong for the police to continue occupying his premises without any court order or documents and businesses in the facility continue suffering huge losses.

“With utmost humility, may I seek your kind and gracious intervention as the Inspector General. In the middle of the night of 13th March 2026, a contingent of over 100 policemen raided Dari Business Park with an inordinate number of police vehicles.

They had no court order. Until this morning the police are still occupying the Business Park. They are waiting for instructions from above. There is no documentation or explanation from any police officer,” he wrote.

Tuju said the police should allow the tenants to access the facility even if they deny him entry into the premises.

“I request that while you have all the brute power of force to stop me personally from gaining access, the tenants running legitimate businesses should be allowed to get items like laptops from the offices,” he wrote.

Tuju said he was yet to get any verbal or written confirmation from the police over the continued stay in his premises.

“Not even a verbal explanation. We are witnessing an amazing Hollywood playing deaf response. Besides all the above, may I, with all the respect I can fathom, request that you address the following issues that should not be associated with our police force, ‘Utumishi kwa Wote,” he wrote.

Tuju said businesses in the premises continue to incur huge losses as they cannot access the facility.

“Your Officers have been occupying the Dari Business Park for the last 6 days.

The 24 tenants, including the Tamarind restaurant, continue to incur huge losses.

Professionals like lawyers have not been able to remove vital files and laptops from their offices. Even the politest request from professionals seeking to get documents from their private offices under police supervision or escort have been stopped by rudeness at worst or silence at best,” he wrote.

Tuju asked the Inspector General of police to explain to him why the police raided his premises at night while they did not have any court documents.

“Some of the police vehicles that came for the 2:40 a.m. raid removed their vehicle number plates and identification of the police station they originated from. As a civilized country, we need a professional police force. Many of the policemen wore balaclava masks,” he wrote.

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