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Ruto sets his eyes in Nyanza as political storm rocks his boat

By
lom robb
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0
President Ruto

Faced by political uncertainty, fluidly, stormy political marriages and the emergence of Gen Zee socio-economic and political revolution, President William Ruto has been thrown back to the drawing board.

President Ruto has now to contend with harsh reality of the 2027 Presidential election which is fast turning into a nightmare.

Subsequently, President Ruto has been forced to cobble up new alliances to avoid any slip and to firmly hold on to his presidency.

And President Ruto is currently turning to his political ally turned nemesis, ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga and the Luo community to survive the stormy political moment.

President Ruto will be counting on the 2007 Arap Mibey mantra that broke the age long political shackles between the Janam ( Luo) and Onjelo Jagot (Kalenjin).

Subsequently, the mantra erased political suspicion and disconnect between the two leading Nilotic communities, who have for eons enjoyed better economic interactions but have remained cagey, coy and distance in political matters.

And the mantra saw Orange Democratic Movement Presidential candidate Raila Odinga  for the first in history, received overwhelming support from the Kalenjin community and was fondly referred to as Arap Mibey.

The charm is already working after in a more symbolic gesture in Homa Bay county, the political bedroom of Raila, President Ruto was gifted with one of the lake’s biggest Nile Perch catches. 

This signified his catch of Raila into his political basket as the bromance between the two leaders have unsettled some political quarters within and without the Kenya Kwanza government.

Finally, President Ruto had his dream and wish actualized as he also raided ODM top leadership and top allies into his fold.

In Raila and ODM, the protracted Gen Zee demonstrations that had threatened President Ruto’s regime and put him on the edge consequently forced him to reorganize his government have thawed .

With the lull, the President has lately re-embarked on his development tours of the country and international flights.

Apart from Raila, President Ruto also had a catch in ODM national chairman John Mbadi who is currently the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Azimio Minority parliamentary leader Opiyo Wandayi, currently Energy Minister, the party Deputy Leaders Wycliff Oparanya and Hassan Joho all now in the cabinet.

Mbadi when he spoke during his recent home coming prayer in Suba South said  It was time the community interrogated history of alliances and events to make wise political decision 

“We have supported the people from Central and even after 2017 elections we got into handshake with a promise of leading us to presidency in 2022. This did not happen. We must now look out and know our genuine friends,” he said.

Mbadi said President Ruto stood with Raila in 2007 general elections and currently have awarded the community with prime posts even after they didn’t vote for him.

Wandayi said the decision  to join the cabinet was the best and was in the interest  of the community and the nation at large that was staring at imminent crumble.

“I was more than convinced from the first day that I have made the right decision. The purpose for which any political party exists is to capture state power, consolidate it, and use it for the benefit of the people. That is what we have been pursuing all along as ODM, and that is why the decision we have taken is in sync with the singular objective of any political party,” he said. 

The CS said that they responded positively to the call extended to them, adding that leading the nation was something their party eyed but did not get.

“We have joined you because you have given us a chance to join you in the governance of the nation that we would have wanted to govern, but we never got a chance to do so, and we must thank you, Mr. President,” Wandayi said.

Siaya senator Dr Oburu Odinga was categorical on working with President Ruto and why ODM opted to cooperate with president.

“Mr. President, we welcome you to Siaya. We would like to thank you for the cabinet appointments, You took our top cream. We will work with you together. Raila my brother has sent to welcome you,” he said.

President Ruto welcomed the warm reception he received from the region and  left tray full of goodies and promises to the lake region.

He promised to campaign for Raila for  AU seat and was looking forward to a more symbiotic working relationship with the community .

But Ruto’s forage and charm on the lake did not start recently but immediately after winning 2022 presidential elections.

 Despite failing to garner huge votes in Nyanza, Dr Ruto has been on charm and a reconciliatory path to woo the community into his political fold.

In his first seduction move, he bestowed in the community the powerful seat of Permanent Secretary of Internal Security to Dr Raymond Omolo and appointed Mr. Eliud Owalo to a cabinet post, However, was sacked in the recent government reorganization. 

Similarly, CS  Eliud Owalo has been on the offensive by initiating various programs such as food donations to the flood and hunger stricken members of the community

Owalo has also embarked on supporting sports through financial aid to Gor Mahia football club the heart-beat of the community.

President Ruto has launched various projects in the region including  affordable housing program in Homa bay town of Homa Bay count

But it remains to be seen if whether the change of heart by a section of the community will birth a new political vehicle or  may be frought.

By Anderson Ojwang

Ruto breaks the 60 years-old jinx to hand Nyanza three top coveted State jobs

By
lom robb
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0
President ruto

SIX decades after Kenya attained independence, the Luo community, one of the major players in the struggle finally broke a jinx to occupy the three coveted state jobs in the country.

It’s been presumed by a section of the community, that the three plum and sensitive seats  were reserved for some communities and a no get zone for the Lake region.

The three top and sensitive positions have remained a mirage and elusive to the community despite  the competence and qualification by residents from the lake side.

The three offices namely : the Commander of Defense Forces (CDF), the Attorney General and Cabinet secretary for Treasury have never been occupied by any community member for the last 60 years. 

But President William Ruto broke the six decade jinx that had prevented the Luo community from assuming the top seats and relegated them to watchers in the power and economic matrix in the country.

The Kenya’s unsung military hero  retired Major General Daniel Ishmael Opande could have been the first member of the community to land the post but as fate would have it, Opande was seconded to peace mission and the dream was never actualized.

Former Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng Daima said the ascension of the community sons and daughter to the top seats was a milestone and opens the community to occupying the only remaining post of presidency.

“President Ruto has removed all the road blocks that denied the community daughters and sons from occupying the three-aorta of the government. Finally, the jinx has been broken and nothing stops any son and daughter of the community from ascending to presidency,’ he said.

But the appointment of the former CDF the late Francis Ogola was not without share of drama and intrigues that nearly denied him the seat.

Prior to his appointment, President Ruto said he had been prevailed upon against appointing Ogola as a CDF for allegedly being part of the team that had gone to Bomas of Kenya to overturn his victory.

“ I had 10 people who qualified for the post. But I acted consciously  that since independence  nobody from Nyanza  had been CDF. Why make a whole community  think they cannot occupy certain positions and offices in the government? I took a sensitive and deliberate  approach  to the appointments,” he said.

President Ruto said he was proud to have appointed Ogola to the seat and was happy to have broken the jinx and barriers in the community path.

Similarly, President Ruto appointed ODM national chairman John Mbadi to the post of Cabinet Secretary of Treasury against opposition from some quarters.

Sources intimated to Western Insight Newspaper that President Ruto stood his gun that  he had preserved the Treasury’s seat for Nyanza.

In the recent government re-organization, Nyanza finally bagged the post of Attorney General office through Dorcas Oduor.

Consultant Dr Otieno Obondi said the  coveted state seats have remained a mirage and a pipe dream to the community for over 60 years.

 Presidential Ruto’s appointments have erased decades of belief by the community over alleged discrimination and marginalization by the subsequent governments.

“This is a positive node in the right direction. Luo can now feel part of the government and country . No position is reserved for any particular community and this is the best way to heal the nation,” he said.

By Hope Barbra

Referral Hospitals to Receive Crucial Donation for Premature Babies

By
lom robb
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0

Major Referral hospitals in Western Kenya are set to benefit from a donation by an International Health Organization.

The referral hospitals in Kisumu, Homabay, Kisii, and Kakamega counties will receive a critical boost in their neonatal care capacity.

The generous donation from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), consists of approximately 30,000 dosages of caffeine citrate, a medication essential for managing Apnea of Prematurity (AOP) in premature infants.

The donation comes hot in the heels after a five-day Comprehensive Newborn Care Training program attended by healthcare workers from the beneficiary hospitals.

 AOP is a condition where premature babies experience brief pauses in breathing. Caffeine citrate has emerged as a safe and effective treatment, improving breathing in these fragile infants and reducing their risk of developing chronic lung diseases.

Making Essential Treatment Affordable

The Kisumu County Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation Chief Officer Dr.Ojwang  Lusi said there was a critical need by the facilities to have an  affordable access to caffeine citrate. 

Previously, a single dose cost approximately Ksh 2,000, placing a significant financial burden on county governments and limiting its use. 

“The opportunity to provide this vital medication will significantly enhance our ability to care for premature babies,” said Mr. Nicholas Pule, Kisumu County’s Child Health Coordinator, 

He said the cost of caffeine has been reduced by 70%, and this will go a long way in enhancing health care in the region.

 Ms. Betty Wariari, Associate Director at CHAI said the support will now translate to a cost of Sh 300 per a dose thus making it a much more accessible treatment option.

The “high cost of caffeine often meant limited availability, especially for babies born very early. This intervention by CHAI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Kenya Medical Supplies Agency, (KEMPSA) is a crucial step towards ensuring a consistent supply and improved survival rates for neonates,” she said.

She said globally, poor quality of care was responsible for 61% of newborn deaths.

“A steady supply of essential medications like caffeine is vital for strengthening our healthcare system and giving these vulnerable babies a fighting chance “she said

Story by Correspondent

Photos Courtesy Governor Press Kisumu

Residents of Western Kenya to benefit from specialized care at affordable rate at JOOTRH

By
lom robb
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0
Residents of Western Kenya to benefit from specialized care at affordable rate at JOOTRH

In a bid to reduce the high cost of specialized treatment in Western Kenya, The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) recently officially unveiled its highly anticipated Prime Care Center (PCC).

The facility is viewed as offering opportunity to the residents to access the high specialized treatment at affordable rate and instead of exorbitant charges by the private hospitals in the region.

Some of the services you to expect at JOOTRH Prime Care Center include :

• Expert Medical Professionals: The same highly trained doctors and nurses you know from JOOTRH will be providing care at the Prime Care Center.

• Advanced Technology: The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

• Affordable Rates: You’ll receive the same high-quality care you’d expect from a private hospital, but at a price that won’t break the bank.

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyongo presided over the ceremony presided where he commended the management for  recent improvements made at JOOTRH and pledged his government’s commitment to elevate the hospital’s status to a parastatal. 

“This is your hospital you should make use of it. “Whether you are a civil servant, a business owner, or simply seeking specialized care, the PCC is designed to meet your needs.” he said.

The Governor acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Kisumu residents, particularly civil servants, in accessing specialized healthcare within their insurance limits. 

“Private hospitals often quickly exhaust these limits, leaving patients with difficult choices. Our Prime Care Center will directly address this issue by providing the same high-quality, specialized services at a more affordable rate,” he said

.

Previously, JOOTRH, the only level-five hospital in the region, lacked a dedicated amenity wing. The Prime Care Center fills this critical gap.

“JOOTRH must play in its league, alongside KUTTRH and MTRH, because of the specialized services it offers,” said Dr. Mathew Owili, the Deputy Governor.

 Dr. Owili said JOOTRH’s qualified to be  parastatal status, citing its quality, affordability, and role as a teaching and referral hospital.

Dr. Greggory Ganda, the County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, announced plans to establish a primary care facility in Kondele, allowing JOOTRH to focus on specialized services.

Governor Nyong’o expressed his appreciation for the 40-bed capacity, calling it “a great start.” He encouraged potential investors to partner with JOOTRH to expand the facility’s reach, emphasizing the greater impact on the community with more beds available.

Story by Correspondent

Photos Courtesy Governor Press Kisumu

Kisumu County government partners withHealth Organizations to boost breast feeding inNyanza

By
lom robb
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0
kisumu-county-government-partners-with-health-organizations-to-promote-breastfeeding-innyanza

The County Government of Kisumu has partnered with various organizations to address emerging challenges of infectious diseases and inadequate breastfeeding which has remained significant threats to infant health in the Nyanza region.

During the recent World Breast Feeding Day, the government through the Department of Medical Services Public Health and Sanitation underscored the importance of breastfeeding infants and the prevention of infectious diseases among them.

The partners included Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET), Mama Toto, Make Me Smile (USAID 4 CHILD), and Kisumu Urban Apostolate Programs (KUAP) together focused on this year’s theme, “Closing the gap, breastfeeding support for all.”

Photos Courtesy Governor Press Kisumu

KMET, led by Project Coordinator Oscar Okoth, offered free health services including cancer screening, family planning, immunization, nutrition assessment, and antenatal care. KUAP provided essential nutrition guidance for breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet comprising the ten food groups.
Rosemary Shikari of Mama Toto highlighted the challenges hindering breastfeeding success. She emphasized the critical role of maternal mental health, urging spouses to provide emotional support.

Shikari also debunked common misconceptions about breastfeeding, such as the use of pacifiers, bottles, and formula milk.

She demonstrated correct breastfeeding positions and techniques, stressing the importance of on-demand feeding and frequent latching.

Signs of inadequate breastfeeding, including changes in stool color, colic, and excessive sleep, were discussed.
The event concluded with food donations to mothers and children.
The initiative was graced by Department of Health representative Juma George, Sub County Focal Person Zadock Tako, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital JOOTRH Staff, and other county health officials.

By raising awareness and providing practical support, the event aimed to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve infant health outcomes in the region.

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