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Boost to fish farmers as LBDA modern fish hatchery plant to begin operation in March

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By Anderson Ojwang


Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) has taken a bold step to revolutionize fish farming in the Lake Victoria region through the construction of a modern hatchery plant in Kisumu.

The Managing Director Mr. Wycliff Ochiaga said the modern hatchery plant at Kibos ITTC has an annual production of 12 million fingerlings that will go a long way in boosting fish farming in the lake region.

“The completion of the modern hatchery plant at Kibos ITTC, with a production capacity of 12 million fingerlings annually effective March 2025, will revolutionize fish farming in our region,” he said.

In his New Year speech, Ochiaga said LBDA’s strategic partnerships with educational institutions have further enhanced innovation and knowledge dissemination in aquaculture.

Fingerling farming is a key part of fish cage farming in Lake Victoria, where fish farmers demand more fingerlings to stock their cages: 


The demand for fingerlings has increased as cage fish farming has become more popular in the region. 
The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) estimates that there are over 6,000 fish cages on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria, and each cage can produce one ton of fish per year.

“The year 2024 has been a testament to our collective resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the transformative agenda of the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA),” he said.

In the spirit of our national ethos, we have made significant strides in various sectors. Similarly, the MD said LBDA was supporting rice farmers through the state-of-the-art rice mill commissioned in August 2024, which has increased milling capacity by 30%, improving livelihoods and ensuring food security.

The new mill has a capacity of 4 tons per hour, fully pneumatic compared to the old mill which was fully mechanical, with an installation capacity of 3.5 tons per hour that had reduced to an average of 0.87 tons per hour at the time of replacement.

The first machine at the mill was installed in the year 1196 with an installation capacity of 3.5 tons per hour which translates to 24,000 metric tons per month.

The milling capacity had significantly reduced over the year to an average of 0.87 tons per hour due to continuous wear and tear, depreciation, lack of spares and outdated technology which rendered the machine very inefficient.

Ochiaga said the Authority has actively participated in national efforts to increase tree cover by planting over 200,000 trees and implementing 15 water projects in schools and communities to ensure access to clean water and promote environmental stewardship.

“We have strengthened collaborations with various stakeholders and this has enhanced our capacity to deliver on our mandate. We have showcased our achievements through various platforms, reaching a huge audience, highlighting the impact of our work in sectors such as Rice farming, Fish farming and beekeeping,” he said.

Ochiaga said LBDA has also faced some teething challenges that has negated full achievement of their agenda.

He said despite modernizing the processing plant, the Ndhiwa beekeeping project has experienced slower-than-expected uptake.

“ I encourage the need for increased community engagement and support to fully realize the potential of this initiative, We will intensify community outreach and support to boost participation in the Ndhiwa beekeeping initiative, ensuring that the modernized processing plant operates at full capacity, ” he said.

He said erratic weather patterns have impacted negatively on the agricultural production and water availability, necessitating adaptive strategies to ensure sustainability.

“We are committed to enhancing the skills and well-being of our staff through targeted training programs and welfare initiatives, recognizing that our people are our greatest asset. Leveraging technology to improve efficiency, monitor projects, and engage stakeholders effectively will be a cornerstone of our strategy,” he said.

Relief for Homa Bay parents as County Government releases Sh.215M for Scholarship

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By Habil Onyango


A section of Homa Bay parents have a reason to smile after the County Government released Sh.215million Fins to fly education scholarship fund on Friday.

The fund is set to benefit 480 needy but brighter students who are proceeding to form two and three in various Secondary Schools across the Country.

This comes at a time when the Schools are set for re-opening next week.

The initiative which was initiated three years ago, caters for the students by paying their full school fees, a whole year shopping and pocket money.

Speaking when she presided over the distribution of the distribution of the funds, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said that they have decided to distribute the funds early enough to allow all the students to get back to school in time without any itch.
 

She said her government will continue to support the beneficiaries by paying for their school fees and providing other basic needs up to the University level.

The Governor said that as a County Government, they made a deliberate decision that will ensure that no brighter and needy students will be left out of going to school.

“The Fins to swim Scholarship fund caters for the needy and brighter students whom some are total orphans, partial orphans or those whose parents can not cater for their School fees and provide for other basic needs,” said Wanga.

“This year we are distributing the funds to the first and the second cohort who are currently joining form two and three respectively,” she said.

The Governor however revealed that this year there will be no new beneficiaries joining form one due to the introduction of Curriculum Based Curriculum since no pupil sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education last year.

Wanga however assured the parents that next year they will enrol another 240 pupils from all the 40 wards across the County who will be joining the Secondary level.

“I am very happy that the Lord has taken care of all our students who benefitted from the program for the gift of life and good health,” said Wanga.

According to Wanga, the selection of the beneficiaries is done through an open and accountable process through village clusters at the village level which ensures that the most needy learners get an opportunity to benefit from the kitty.


Wanga however advised the students to ensure that they remain focused in their studies, respectful, dutiful, responsible, considerate, kind and compassionate.


“I want to advise you to take the opportunity to make something greater out of your lives, even when we are gone you are the ones who will have an opportunity to hold other needy but needy student’s hand in your generation,” advised Wanga.

The beneficiaries were selected from some of the learners who scored 350 marks in their KCPE with six students being selected from each of the 40 wards each year.

“You are among the best students in our County and your target should be a B+ and above, no short of that since while in school there is nothing you people lack and there will be the time you will be sent home for school fees, the only thing is to focus on your studies,” said Wanga.

During the occasion, the Governor rewarded a number of students who featured in the top 10 in the last examinations.

A part from the scholarship fund Wanga revealed that they are continuing with the distribution of ward bursary funds at the tune of Sh215M in all 40 wards ahead of the re-opening of Schools to benefit other students.

The bursary is set to benefit other students who are in various day and boarding Secondary Schools who might have not succeeded in getting the scholarship.


“We are committed and focused on assuring that every student in Homa Bay is accorded an opportunity to pursue their dreams through education,” said Wanga.

“During my tenure as the County Governor, no child will miss an opportunity to go to school for lack of School fees, not under my watch,” she said.

Odede’s Arrest

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How the Colonial Chief betrayed Odede to detention

By Anderson Ojwang

The history of Kenya’s political struggle for independence witnessed sacrifices from patriots who laid their lives for the country.

Among them was the late Fanuel Walter Odede, fondly nicknamed Rachilo by his peers.

He was an alumnus of the prestigious Maseno School and a veterinary lecturer at Maseno College.

Odede was among the pioneer students of Maseno school and was prominent in the provision of education to Africans during the colonial period.

He attended school in Maseno, moving on to Alliance High School where he qualified to attend Makerere
College. He graduated with a degree in Veterinary Science.

Odede became a major political player and became a cog within the Kenya Africa Union (KAU) and a close
associate of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

He formed the Kenya African Union, along with Joseph Murumbi and Pio Pinto.

After the arrest of Kenyatta and subsequent detention in 1952, where he became among the Kapenguria Six arrested and charged with masterminding the anti-colonial Mau Uprising, a new leader of KAU had to be found.

In the new leadership structure, Odede became the KAU acting chairman while Kenyatta was still in
detention and continued to propagate the ideals of KAU countrywide.

Odede took over the leadership of KAU in an acting capacity but he too was arrested on March 8, 1953,
again on suspicions of sympathizing with the Mau Mau.

KAU was eventually banned on June 8, 1953, eight months into the Emergency. Nairobi lawyer Mr. Patrick Ouya says Odede and the colonial paramount chief Gedion Magak were close friends and the friendship was in public knowledge.

Mr. Ouya a relative of the late Chief Magak says the colonial government had declared a crackdown on KAU officials and members and Odede was on the run to avoid arrest and sought asylum from his friends.

Chief Magak invited Odede to his home and promised him that he could meet some leaders and have a political conversation with them

“But little did Odede know that his friend had tricked him and informed the administrators of his would-be presence in his home. So when Odede arrived and stayed for a few hours a contingent of police officers arrived, surrounded the home, and arrested him,” he says.

Chairman of Luo Council of Elders Mzee Odungi Randa says with the detention of Kenyatta and other
members of KAIU, Odede took over the leadership and crisscrossed the country to promote the ideals
and ideology of the organization.

“Rachilo was a close friend of Kenyatta and a pillar in KAU. That is why he became the acting chairperson of the organization,” he says

But for Odede, his trip to Nyanza, Oyugis was his Waterloo as he was allegedly betrayed by the paramount chief Gedion Magak to the colonial administrator based in Kisii.

The paramount chiefs were collaborators and informers of the colonial administration and through
this, the late Chief Magak allegedly betrayed Odede to the Colonial administrator and he was arrested.

Although protesting his innocence—a view shared by later historians—he was detained. He remained imprisoned at Kwale and Maralal until 1957 and was then held in restriction in Samburu until 1960.

He was highly regarded by British constituents and was considered to be a moderate African leader. He was opposed to violence and hoped for interracial harmony.

Luo’s Reboot Cultural Celebrations , It’s a Renaissance like no other.

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Junior Secondary Schools

By Billy Mijungu

December has, and perhaps always will be, a month of profound significance for the Luo community. It is a time when Luos across the globe congregate unapologetically and with great zeal for familial, cultural, religious, and professional reconnection. Whether in homesteads by Lake Victoria or in bustling urban centres worldwide, December is our month of togetherness.

The past year has showcased an inspiring cultural renaissance, with events that have reaffirmed the Luo spirit and heritage. The Luo-Abasuba Rusinga Festival, a jewel of our cultural calendar, set the tone with its vibrant celebration of art, music, and oral histories. Hot on its heels came Sigand Nyi Nam, the storytelling frame that brought to life the mythical and historical narratives of the Daughters of the Lake. The festivities crescendoed with the Piny Luo Festival in Siaya, a spectacular gathering that celebrated the essence of Luo identity.

Looking ahead, Migori will host the next edition of the Piny Luo Festival, a responsibility that requires robust preparation. It is my hope that Migori will rise to the occasion, perhaps even boasting a modern stadium worthy of such a monumental event.

Beyond the festivities, this recent wave of cultural consolidation marks a poignant moment of reflection. It harks back to the days of the Luo Union, established under the stewardship of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. The Union was not merely a cultural hub but also an economic engine that unified Luos across Africa and beyond. Today, as we revel in our shared heritage, it is worth pondering: Are we fully harnessing the potential of these gatherings to drive socio-economic transformation?

This is our fault line, our Achilles’ heel. Cultural celebrations, while essential, should be more than an end in themselves. They must evolve into platforms for economic empowerment, innovation, and collective growth. The Luo Union’s legacy offers a blueprint we cannot afford to ignore.

As Kenyans, the resurgence of Luo cultural pride is a clarion call. It challenges us to envision similar gatherings for all 54 ethnic groups in Kenya, a mosaic of celebrations that could redefine our national identity. Imagine the strength and unity this could foster, not just within our communities but across the entire nation.

The Luos have lit the torch. It is now upon us all to carry it forward, to reboot our cultural frameworks, and to chart a collective future that blends tradition with progress. Let this be the beginning of a cultural renaissance, not just for the Luo but for Kenya as a whole.

The writer is a political commentator.

In the End

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Adapted from the Odede family by Dr. Joyce Nyairo whose first version of the article appeared in the Sunday Nation of October 20, 2024.

Odede Rachilo was born in Uyoma Katwenga, Siaya in 1912.

62 years later, on Christmas Eve 1974, he died at The Nairobi Hospital.

Hypertension-related complications had led to a stroke just two months after his October 1974 nomination to Parliament.

Was his life of advocacy, mentoring, and public service given due national recognition?

His KAU-compatriot Jomo Kenyatta gave Rachilo and 41 others drawn from around the country
state honours in 1968: Elder of the Burning Spear – “in recognition of their great contribution to
nation-building and the hard work … in successfully organizing and consolidating the political foundation of the ruling party.”

In the early 1970s, the people of Uyoma burst in song celebrating Rachilo for coming to their rescue
when they killed a policeman and the brute force of the GSU landed in our location, raping, killing
and maiming many.

Rachilo called President Jomo Kenyatta and convinced him to call off the massacre.
Rachilo’s commemoration in that old popular song was a wonderful acknowledgement of his selfless
service to the community.

It also affirmed what Jaramogi once said of Odede Rachilo, “He was the one man in KAU who was prepared to criticize Jomo Kenyatta whenever he went wrong.“

But given the absence of the name Fanuel Walter Odede from street names, commemorative stamps,
and institutions it is still fair for us to echo the question posed by the erudite Historian, Professor

Ogot, “What should we do with nationalists like Odede?”

Today, December 24th 2024, we the descendants of Fanuel Walter Odede Rachilo from the greater Obonyo family of his father and from his three wives – Fedelia, Clara and Sylibia – gather in Uyoma to mark 50 years since the death of our patriarch.

Personal memories of those who knew him fill these pages and will fill the day to close the gaps for those
who never met him but who have had to negotiate their lives bearing his name, his legacy.

It is a legacy that has been shrouded in careless innuendo, a double-edged nickname, and cautious recognition.

But given Odede Rachilo’s achievements, his is a name that should now be raised high whenever we
mention the risks, sacrifices, and devotion of those who created defining moments in our never-ending quest for freedom.

…TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT SERIES…

In the Aftermath of Mboya

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Adapted from the Odede family by Dr. Joyce Nyairo whose first version of the article appeared in the Sunday Nation of October 20, 2024.

The July 1969 assassination of Tom Mboya threw a shadow on the General Election of December 1969. It
was a Waterloo for all sitting Luo MPs.

In the eyes of the electorate, they had not been militant in pursuing answers to Mboya’s killing. Our brother Jorry recalls that difficult season.


“The death of Tom hit dad like thunderbolt. It also reduced his political clout as Mr Odinga’s KPU dominated Nyanza politics… Dad was apprehensive that there would be a coverup to unmask the planners of Tom’s assassination.

He decided to seek help from neighbouring Uganda where Milton Obote was the president.


In Uganda, Dad drove us to the house of Tom’s friend and business partner, Dr Martin Aliker, who was to assist us in contacting Queen’s Counsel Godfrey Binaisa, a leading lawyer [who would later become President ] in Uganda … I was not at the meeting that Dad and Tom’s brother Alphonse Okuku held with Binaisa, but it turned out that Binaisa could not be allowed to represent the Mboya family in Kenyan Courts.

The most he could do was to be allowed to sit in as an observer and this could not add value to the trial.”

In Bondo, when the elections came, the fight was not so much about getting justice for Mboya — it was
about Jaramogi whose base wanted a candidate who would be willing to step down for him once he left detention.

Jaramogi had been detained following the violent fiasco of October 25, 1969 when President
Jomo Kenyatta visited Kisumu on to open the New Nyanza General Hospital popularly called Russia in
acknowledgement of its funders (it has since been renamed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and
Referral Hospital after the man who secured the funding).

At the opening ceremony, Jaramogi engaged Jomo in a shouting match. The President’s security opened fired killing scores of citizens.

KPU was banned. Oneko and Jaramogi were detained. Prevented from running in that 1969 election, some
say Jaramogi anointed the Principal of Egerton College, Dr. William Odongo Omamo alias ‘Dibo’, (the clean hearted) ‘Kaliech’ (elephant/lofty ideas). But, in his posthumously published memoir, Omamo says the Odinga-aligned candidate was Okelo Ogada.

It was easy, Omamo says, to beat Rachilo who was the other candidate on the ballot. For many years,
this moniker ‘Rachilo’ literally meaning “the dirty one” could be twisted for ill-intent by some. Omamo explains that as a “long-standing political rival of Jaramogi… [‘Rachilo’] was very unpopular … in Bondo.”

Despite yet another crushing defeat Rachilo and our brother Jorry visited Jaramogi at his Milimani home
in Kisumu soon after March 1971 when Jaramogi was released from 18 months in detention.

“We gave him a big Jogoo (cockerel) which was the party symbol of KANU.”

By the October 1974 General Election, Rachilo had lost his appetite for competitive politics though he
was still the KANU Branch Chairman in Siaya. His frenemy Jaramogi still had a cult following in Luo
Nyanza.

When KANU refused to clear Jaramogi to vie in Bondo, the blame was heaped on Omamo,
the incumbent who had not stepped down in 1971 after Jaramogi’s release. Consequently, Jaramogi
picked Hezekiah Ougo Ochieng as his protégé.

Jomo responded by nominating Rachilo to Parliament. He barely took up the seat.

Between 1966 and 1974, Rachilo served on the first Board of the Central Bank of Kenya. He also
took a loan from the Agricultural Finance Corporation to buy Senetewa Farm in Songhor from Mr. Doenhoff, a German settler.

Most of us grew up there and we remember the intense farming activities which we fully participated
in. Rachilo uprooted the coffee and planted sugarcane. He kept up the growing of oranges, exploiting the irrigation methods he had learnt in Israel many years ago.

He also maintained an admirable herd of dairy cows of exotic breeds, native Borana cattle, pigs, and poultry. He ferried farm produce by train to Nairobi and consulted often with the Kenya Farmers Association in Nakuru where the first African Chairman, Rueben Chesire, grew to be a close friend.

…TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT SERIES…

In the Heat of Elections

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Adapted from the Odede family by Dr. Joyce Nyairo whose first version of the article appeared in the Sunday Nation of October 20, 2024.

In the run-up to independence, Rachilo voiced his support for the formation of Nairobi Peoples
Convention Party (NPCP), “I can understand why the Luo in Nairobi should want their own political
organization.”

NPCP was soon after renamed Luo United Movement (LUM).


In the May 8, 1963 elections the seemingly Prof.Mboya LUM was pitted against the Pro-Jaramogi
Kenya African National Union (KANU).

Two people lost their lives in the heated Central Nyanza contest. Several of Rachilo’s youth-wingers were arraigned in court.

He hired lawyer Byron Georgiadis to represent them. They were acquitted.

According to Jaramogi, Rachilo had told him while they were in London for the second Lancaster House
conference that he had never forgiven Jaramogi for defeating him in the 1961 election.

Now, Rachilo left the Central Nyanza contest to Jaramogi and went to vie for the Kisumu seat against Hasham Amir Jamal. He lost.


Jaramogi became Vice-President of independent Kenya, but a scheme to isolate him from President
Jomo Kenyatta and within KANU was quickly hatched.

As Secretary-General, Mboya played a key part in that scheme.

Following the assassination of Jaramogi’s ideologue, Pio Gama Pinto, in February 1965, Jaramogi quickly lost support in Parliament.

The opposition party KADU had crossed the floor in November 1964.

Mboya and Jomo moved swiftly to ensure that the majority of former KADU representatives would vote with them on whatever issue came to the House.

Their first win was in replacing Pinto with Wycliffe Adonijah Onyango Ayoki. The loser, Jaramogi’s man, was Wilson Ndolo Ayah, a Makererian who had once courted our sister, Pamela.

On April 14, 1966, Jaramogi resigned from the government. Mboya had out-manoeuvred him through a new KANU constitution that diminished his power by creating eight provincial vice presidents.

Jaramogi was now widely labelled “an agent of rapacious international Communism.” Working with a few allies including two former detainees – Oneko and Kaggia – they birthed the Kenya People’s Union, KPU.

The constitRachilo managed only 1,942 votes against Jaramogi’s 16,695 votes. As Cheryl Gertzel and J.J.

Okumu wrote of that mini-general election, “the Opposition’s successful exploitation of Luo tradition portrayed Mboya as an enemy of the tribe.” Seemingly, Rachilo caught the fleas.

Exit Raila’s Kihii enters Ruto’s pombe as Mt.Kenya design a new political mantra

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By Anderson Ojwang

For the last six decades, Mt Kenya has passed over from one generation the politics of the oath of Kihi (Uncircumcised) from assuming Kenya’s presidency to deny the lake the most coveted house on the hill.

From the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to his son, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Luo have fallen to the sword of the Kihi mantra and have performed dismally in the region.

In the 1992 first multi-party elections, Mt Kenya rallied behind their son the late Kenneth Matiba after the split of the Original Ford that was founded by Oginga with other leading Kenya’s opposition politicians.

Oginga had his Ford-K vice chairman Paul Miute as his running mate and he performed dismally at the presidential ballot while Muite was elected Kabete member of parliament.

Similarly, in the 2022 Presidential elections and with the support of the then President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila still failed to climb the mountain despite having the iron lady Martha Karua as the running, he was vanquished at the ballot box by President William Ruto.

In a run-up to the last general election, the debate about circumcision created a political storm with then Gatundu MP Moses Kuria evoking the infamous Ichaweri oath.

In a hard-hitting post on Facebook on Friday, March 18, the Chama cha Kazi (CCK) leader claimed over 300,000 Kikuyus took an oath in 1969 never to elect an uncircumcised leader as president.

“In 1969 when you are under siege you rally 300,000 Kikuyus to take an oath at a fee-binding them never to elect an uncircumcised person. 50 years later without calling for another oath to undo the first one, you unilaterally make an about-turn and expect the whole community to follow you,” he said in an indirect attack on President Uhuru Kenyatta who has settled on Raila as his preferred successor.

He claimed Kikuyus, led by Kenya’s founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, took an oath in 1969 never to elect an ‘uncircumcised’ leader as president.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had endorsed Raila as his preferred successor ahead of the August 9 General Election Read Kuria criticized Uhuru for going against an alleged 1969 oath that bars the Mt Kenya community from electing a leader who comes from a community that doesn’t practice circumcision.  

“Uhuru is going against his father’s wish by supporting Raila Odinga and he knows what Kenyatta said. We even took an oath never to support Raila for the presidency and that is why we are backing Ruto,” Kuria said.

 
Raila condemned communities that elevate circumcision to a life-and-death issue and highlighted the unfortunate belief in some communities that one cannot be a leader if they have not undergone circumcision.


“That person is not only abusing me and the people of the Luo community but all the other communities that do not practice circumcision. They are simply telling you that you and your
children are incapable of leading,” he said.

And now that Raila has exited the local political scene for an international platform, where he is currently campaigning to be elected Africa Union (AU) chairperson, President Ruto is currently, the new object of attack in the Mountain.

Currently, the mountain that supported Ruto in the last election is restive and are fast sliding away from his reach and he is finding soft landing in the lake.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is weaponizing the pombe (alcohol) debate in the Mt.Kenya region to rally the community against President Ruto’s administration.

The emotive pombe debate in Mt Kenya region has elicited various reactions with women and various leaders in the past holding demonstrations over the effect of alcohol in the region.


Even a section of Mt Kenya governors had revoked licenses to various dealers in alcohol and even banned selling of the alcoholic beverage drinks in their respective counties.


Currently, Rigathi has taken the pombe battle to the doorstep of his former boss, President Ruto and Internal Security permanent secretary Dr Raymond Omolo.

“When I was deputy president, I declared war on alcohol and drug abuse. We succeeded in reducing the effects of alcohol and drugs on our people.

Then I had a problem with our president over the alcohol and drug menace in the country. We had 56 companies that were manufacturing illicit alcohol that is dangerous for human consumption.

I closed the companies and we only left two with the committee that I headed. After closing the factories and working with the chiefs and the police.

The alcohol menace dropped. The boys started returning home and they even became clean and we started seeing our daughter pregnant once again and we started having children.

This was a good sign in Mt.Kenya Nakuru, Laikipia and Nyandarua where alcohol had a negative impact on our people.

The Permanent secretary for internal security was told by the president to reopen the factories. The factories after re-opening were advised not to take the products anywhere else but should be sold in Mt Kenya.

That was the genesis of my problem with the President. When we were in Nyandarua, I told him it was not good to reopen the factories.

The companies are operational but the alcohol is not sold in Rift Valley or anywhere else but purely in Mt Kenya,” he said during a recent church service.

But Omolo responded by condemning the remarks made by Rigathi, describing them as politically motivated, reckless, and insensitive.

Omollo criticized the claims, calling them baseless and lacking empathy for families affected by substance abuse.


“The State Department of Internal Security and Administration strongly condemns the reckless statements made by the impeached former Deputy President, Mr. Rigathi Gachagua, during a church service. His accusations against the government of deliberately targeting citizens in Mt. Kenya with illicit and counterfeit alcohol are unfounded and insensitive,” Omollo said.

President Ruto finds safe landing in Nyanza as Mt Kenya rebels

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By Anderson Ojwang


President William Ruto could be finding a safe landing in the once hostile territory that denied him votes in 2022 presidential elections and also became a hot bed for violent protests against his administration over the recent Finance Bill.

The Mountain, which was his bedrock, is currently experiencing a political volcanic fissure with the residents turning to prayers and looking at Mt Kenya for redemption.

Even the recent meeting between President Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and subsequent appointments of the scions of the House of Mumbi into the cabinet and government did not thaw down the eruption.

Drawn from various parts of the country and led by the Director of the Gikuyu and Mumbi Cultural Museum Mr. Samuel Kamitha, the group said they offering prayers to what they described as significant challenges the country had witnessed in the year.

“This year has brought many shocking events for our country. We have come here to pray for Kenya and seek divine intervention. Our forefathers believed in the mountain as a sacred place. We are here to call upon God to help us overcome the political and social challenges we face,” said Kamitha

For President Ruto, he could be reaping from his early adventures and investments in Nyanza as he currently feels safer and at home in any of the counties in the region that he has frequented most recently.

During last year’s Thanksgiving service for the Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Dr Raymond Omollo, Kericho Senator Mr. Aoron Cheruiyot evoked the spirit of Dipir requesting the Luo community and the Kalenjin to collaborate, unite and work together.

“It is here in Kachuonyo that our aunt, dipir was married by Rachuonyo and we recognize as Kalenjin community the importance of such relationship. We understand the prominent role Rachuonyo plays in the Nyanza politics that is we seek to work together and President Ruto indeed has shown his commitment to that effect by appointing your son and our nephew to a very important seat. Let the two communities work together and live in peace and harmony as we have a long historical and ancestral connection,” he said during the homecoming ceremony for Dr Omolo in July 15 2023.

The then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said at the function that he had requested President Ruto to give the slot to his preferred candidate but Ruto declined and told him, he had chosen a young man from the lake.


And President Ruto during a party at the home of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo told the residents that his victory was more of an ODM victory because he was a student of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and that the two communities have a common bond.

With the recent political realignment and the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President Ruto is finding Nyanza to be more homely and welcoming than most parts of the country.

While Mt Kenya could be rebelling against the president and fast sliding into the region of protests that was synonymous with Nyanza, the Lake is becoming calmer and more accommodative.

While the Mountain and Nairobi witnessed protest over abductions on Monday, December 30 2024, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya the once volatile and violent protest hot spots turned cold with no any form of activity.

It was business as usual. President Ruto, last weekend was in Homa Bay to watch the finals of Governor Gladys Wanga-sponsored Genowa football tournament where he shared the podium with Raila and received a rousing welcome.


“We are excited to welcome President William Ruto to Homa Bay County. Karibu Rais and thank you for your support and belief in the talented young people of Homa Bay. Let’s make this tournament one to remember,” Governor Wanga said on X.


President Ruto will tomorrow January 1 st 2025 deliver opening year speech at Kisii State lodge before hosting Uganda President Yoweri Museveni in Siaya during the Luo Cultural Festival.

President Ruto will be expected to open the ultra-modern Siaya County stadium the following day and with these activities, Onjelo ja Got is enhancing his visibility and acceptability in the region.

Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said Nyanza is becoming more receptive to President Ruto because of the support from Raila who has somehow provided him with the political key to visit
the region.

“We have not witnessed any form of infighting between Raila’s team and President Ruto’s allies in Nyanza. If anything PS Omolo has moved to work together with all leaders and this has enhanced the developing of unity and collaboration among the leaders,” he said.

He argued that the recent cabinet appointment of John Mbadi, Opiyo Wanday and Dorcas Oduor by President Ruto in the broad-based government has stirred a positive reception in the community.

“ In Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila’s handshake, there were no appointments of community members to the cabinet and other senior government positions. It was built more on the hope of supporting Raila’s presidential bid. President Ruto has rewarded the community and this is what could be leading to a change of heart,” he argued.


Chairman of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Mr. Odoyo Owidi said the Mountains have for over the last six decades enjoyed entitlement to national leadership and feel disfranchised when they are not within the power apex.

“What we are witnessing currently is the rebellion from the mountaineers who feel excluded from the apex of power and want to DE campaign President Ruto. They have been in the presidency as either the president or the deputy and the emerging power dynamic is what is making them to rebel,” he said.


Odoyo claimed the Mountain had recruited the church and other institutions to help propel their agenda of reclaiming the political power and that is why it is restive and in protest mood.


He said the tirade and uprising orchestrated by the mountain is a smear campaign which is well-funded to help them achieve their political objectives.

Odoyo said Nyanza has realized the political trick by Mt Kenya and instead opted to act as a safe valve for the president who has been kind enough in the distribution of the national cake.

Current and potential outdoor advertisers in Kisumu City to acquire new permits

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By Reporter


Kisumu City Board has asked all the current and potential outdoor advertisers to re-apply for new permits. This move follows the new city geospatial plan, which demands orderly digital advertising.

The transition to digital advertising will enrich CCVT coverage and enhance security within the city and the neighbourhood.

Similarly, this is meant to reduce the high incidence of billboard accidents in the city and improve its image and status as a smart city.

City Manager Mr. Abala Wanga said with immediate effect, all the existing outdoor advertisement permits in Kisumu City have been hereby rendered obsolete.

“ Interested parties who wish to engage in outdoor advertising within Kisumu are invited to register with the City Management as we transition to digital outdoor advertisements. This transition aligns with the City’s goal of modernizing urban services and ensuring more sustainable and efficient management of public spaces. The registration period will run until 2nd January 2025,” he said in the Communique.

He said the transition to digital outdoor advertising will help streamline processes, increase transparency, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the city.

“We encourage all businesses and stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity and register promptly. We remain committed to delivering high-quality services to our residents and stakeholders. This transition will ensure the efficient management of urban affairs and strengthen our capacity to meet the growing needs of Kisumu City,” he said.

He pledged with the stakeholders mainly the residents and businesses to collaborate with the City Management to ensure the success in the implementation of the new measures for a better
and more sustainable urban future.


“For further inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact the office of the undersigned,” he said.

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