By Remmy Butia

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika’s absence from office due to maternity leave has sparked unnecessary controversy, raising critical questions about society’s perception of women in leadership.

Unnecessary Pressure on Women Leaders

Governor Kihika, like any other working mother, is entitled to maternity leave under Kenyan law. However, her absence has been politicized, with some critics demanding her immediate return to office. Shockingly, an activist in Nakuru even appealed to US President Donald Trump to intervene – a move that highlights the absurdity of the backlash against her.

On January 17, 2025, Governor Kihika clarified that she was on a legitimate maternity break, yet the public debate over her whereabouts continues. This raises a disturbing trend: why are women leaders held to impossible standards, expected to choose between public service and motherhood?

KEWOPA’s Stand: Maternity Leave is a Right, Not a Privilege

Since when did childbirth become a crime for female leaders? This is the question posed by female MPs under the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), who have come out strongly to defend Governor Kihika’s right to take maternity leave without undue scrutiny.

The Female MPs under KEWOPA have condemned the attacks on Governor Kihika, emphasizing that maternity leave is a constitutional right. They argue that the same society that celebrates motherhood suddenly turns hostile when a woman in power exercises this basic right.

“Would we be having the same conversation if a male leader took a medical leave?” posed one MP. The double standards are glaring – men in leadership are rarely questioned for taking time off, yet women are expected to justify their need for maternity leave.

Kenyans must recognize that women leaders, like all mothers, deserve respect and support during childbirth and postpartum recovery. Instead of questioning Governor Kihika’s commitment to her role, we should be advocating for better policies that support working mothers in leadership positions.

The criticism directed at Governor Kihika reflects a deeper societal problem – the persistent belief that women must sacrifice their personal lives to prove their competence in leadership. This narrative must change.

Normalize Maternity Leave for Women in Power

Governor Susan Kihika’s case should serve as a wake-up call. Kenya must move beyond archaic stereotypes and embrace the reality that women can be both effective leaders and devoted mothers.

Rather than demanding her premature return, Kenyans should extend grace and solidarity to Governor Kihika, just as they would for any leader recovering from a medical procedure. Childbirth is not a crime – it’s a natural part of life that deserves respect, not ridicule.

Let us champion dignity for women in leadership and normalize maternity leave without stigma. After all, a society that supports its mothers is one that truly progresses.

By Billy Mijungu

With one year remaining before Kenya enters the intense political cycle of 2026, President William Ruto faces a defining moment in his administration. This period is crucial for consolidating his development agenda before politics consumes the national discourse.

The political landscape is shifting rapidly, with unexpected challenges emerging from a youthful and energized demographic that has found its voice in the Gen Z movement. Their influence is growing, their messaging is clear, and their ability to sustain pressure is proving formidable.

Recent events have demonstrated the scale of their mobilization. At the Safari Rally in Naivasha and during the football match between Kenya and Gabon, chants of Ruto Raila Must Go echoed across the crowds.

These were not isolated incidents but a well-orchestrated strategy that is gaining momentum. What is striking is that this movement has taken root in spaces previously considered neutral or apolitical.
The noise is spilling over into churches, a realm where the President once enjoyed unchallenged dominance. Even places of worship have not been spared from this new wave of defiance.

Unlike traditional opposition movements, this uprising does not revolve around politicians or established structures. It is raw and unfiltered, and it thrives on spontaneity. The challenge for the President is that there is no single leader to negotiate with, no backroom deals to be made, and no amount of money that can silence it. It is an organic force driven by frustration, economic realities, and a generation that refuses to be ignored.

Faced with this reality, the President must recalibrate his approach. He cannot afford to engage in shouting matches or attempt to outmaneuver the noise through counter-rallies and public appearances. That strategy would only fuel the fire. His best move is to retreat into the business of governance and let his work speak for itself.

The government’s ministries, departments, and agencies should take the lead in showcasing progress. It is they who must communicate the administration’s achievements, not the President himself. He should resist the temptation to respond directly to the noise and instead focus on delivering tangible results.

By stepping back from the limelight and immersing himself in governance, the President will create an aura of mystery around his leadership. The more he stays away from public confrontations, the more he will deny his critics the opportunity to engage him on their terms. His absence from the daily spectacle will force his opponents to fill the void, exposing their own weaknesses and lack of an alternative plan.

The Gen Z movement is not going anywhere. Their noise will persist, their strategies will evolve, and their influence will grow.

The President’s best response is not to fight the wave but to rise above it. He must become less visible, more focused, and entirely immersed in the business of governing. His silence will speak louder than any rally. His work will be his defense. By 2026, when the country is fully engulfed in politics, he will have built a legacy strong enough to withstand the noise.

Dr.Edris N.Omondi (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org 

Mathematics, often perceived as a daunting and abstract subject, has long been relegated to the realm of the “geniuses” in the classroom.

For many students, it is a source of frustration, fear, and anxiety, often due to ineffective teaching methods or the prevailing belief that it is an inherently difficult subject.

However, as one’s perspective shifts and the approach to learning mathematics changes, it can become not only an enjoyable pursuit but also a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills.

Personal Experience:

My personal experience with mathematics began in high school, where I was taught by a teacher who, despite his expertise in the subject, struggled with a stammer.

His difficulty in conveying concepts clearly and at an engaging pace made math seem boring and inaccessible.

Gradually, I distanced myself from the subject, skipping classes and neglecting assignments.

Found myself absorbed in novels during the lessons.

Indeed, my grades plummeted, and I came to view math as something reserved for the “brainiacs,” further solidifying my belief that it was an insurmountable obstacle.

The collective mindset around me – that math was too difficult – compounded this feeling, creating a culture where math was not something I enjoyed but rather something to be feared and avoided.

The shift:

However, a shift occurred when I embarked on my academic journey at a foreign university in India.

Due to my low grades in high school, I was required to take a bridging course, and once again, mathematics was a mandatory subject.

This time, however, I found myself in a class filled with Indian students who had an entirely different attitude towards math.

Before the teacher could even finish a problem, every hand in the room was raised, eager to answer.

I was astonished.

There was an energy in the room, a sense of excitement and competition that I had never associated with math before.

Determined to understand the methods they were using; I befriended some of my classmates and learned their techniques.

Slowly but surely, my brain began to engage with numbers in a way I had never experienced before.

Math was no longer a chore; it became a puzzle, a game I wanted to solve.

Reflecting on my experience, I realized that there was nothing inherently wrong with me or my ability to understand math or the several canes that i had to endure to get the concepts.

The problem lay in the approach to the subject, both in how it was taught to me and in the prevailing cultural belief that it was an inherently difficult discipline.

The pervasive attitude that math was reserved for the elite created a barrier that discouraged me from even attempting to engage with the subject.

Once I discovered a new, more accessible way to approach mathematics, everything changed.

Exposing my Children:

This realization has shaped my approach to raising my children.

I wanted to break the cycle of fear and misunderstanding around math, so I exposed them to the same techniques that helped me learn.

I even purchased video tapes of these methods, ensuring that they would have a solid foundation in mathematical thinking.

Today, my children not only excel in their math classes but also demonstrate critical thinking skills that extend beyond the subject itself.

One of my children, now at university, encouraged me to write this article, arguing that to be a true critical thinker, one must engage with mathematics.

My youngest daughter-10 seemed shocked when i mentioned to her that there is a possibility to scrap mathematics as a mandatory subject.

She retorted by saying, ‘everything in our lives is all about math, including climbing the stair-data.

After all-how can we compete with the rest of the world if we neglect training our minds from an early age?

International examples abound where a strong foundation in mathematics is key to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In Japan, for example, children as young as four years old are introduced to basic math concepts in a way that is both fun and engaging.

As they grow older, their understanding of numbers becomes more sophisticated, and they are trained to approach problems methodically and analytically.

This early education has contributed to Japan’s global success in fields like engineering, technology, and scientific research.

It is no surprise that Japan consistently ranks among the top countries in international assessments of mathematical proficiency.”

Value addition:

Back home, educational standards are improving by enculturating value added CBC, the implementation challenges are real.

However, the importance of mathematics in developing critical thinking should not be taken for granted but embraced.

As too students excelling in math, particularly those in competitive environments like national exams or specialized schools, is of no doubt.

Yet, the subject often remains a barrier for many others, due in part to outdated teaching methods and a lack of access to engaging resources. 

However, initiatives from the Kenya National Examinations Council’s introduction of more practical math problems and the growing presence of online learning platforms are fountains in the right direction and indeed its beginning to make a difference.

When students are taught to approach math not as a rigid set of rules but as a fluid problem-solving process, their minds are sharpened for all aspects of life.

Critical Thinking:

Critical thinking is not just about learning how to solve mathematical problems.

It is about learning how to approach any challenge with logic, creativity, and perseverance.

Mathematics trains the brain to think systematically, to break down complex problems into manageable parts, and to develop solutions step by step.

These are the skills that will help individuals solve real-world problems, from managing finances to tackling global issues like climate change or technological innovation.

Cognitive abilities.

Ultimately, math is not just a subject; it is a vital tool for developing the cognitive abilities that will allow individuals to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

The Japanese education system’s success in integrating math into early childhood development is a way to imbue. 

We have a responsibility as Kenyan s to ensure that the teachers are equipped with several teaching techniques to help modernize math education and make it exciting.

We too can offer a blueprint for other countries to follow.

By approaching math with the right mindset and teaching methods, we can foster a generation of critical thinkers capable of solving the world’s most pressing problems.

In conclusion, if we are to equip the next generation to compete on a global stage, we must rethink on how we teach math, not think on how to make it optional!

It is not just about numbers; it’s about shaping young minds to think critically, creatively, and analytically.

By doing so, we will give them the tools they need to succeed in any field and tackle the challenges of the future with confidence and clarity.

Dr. Edris Omondi is a Preacher, Social Thinker, Mentor, Lawyer, Writer and a Public Speaker.

Dr. Edris N.Omondi  (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

This day, just like any other funerals I have attended, I find myself surrounded by kinsmen from Kobita my rural home, preparing to bury my aunty, who was married in the distant town of Uriri, South Nyanza.

Aunty Grace, who breathed her last at the age of 83, had a life full of rich connections and friendships. Now, we must uphold the Luo tradition and ensure that she is buried in a manner that respects our cultural expectations and befits her age.

According to tradition, certain guests are expected to attend the burial: ‘Oche’-the sons-in-law; ‘Nyiwende’-the mothers of the married couples; and ‘Sange’– men married from this specific homes.

Oche normally receive esteemed honored, as it symbolizes the families that married into her home.

Aunty Grace had twelve children, the youngest 43, and off-course the children are expected to shoulder the financial burden of the funeral.

The expense is considerable, especially as these key guests must be fed well during the funeral rites and each child expecting their guests to be well pampered.

Emerging in recent years, however, is the presence of the political class and their entourage, who are invited to attend the burial as a form of solidarity and respect, adding another layer of financial strain to the bereaved family.

This trend adds complexity to the already challenging financial implications of funerals in Luo Nyanza.

In Luo culture, the saying “Luo kitgi gi timbegi”, which means “The Luo have their own ways,” reflects the deep attachment to cultural traditions, even when they are financially demanding.

When it came to my auntie’s burial, every detail had to be meticulously observed, from the preparation of the body to the feeding of guests, all according to the precise customs that have been passed down through generations.

In conducting my research into the impact of Luo funerals among the Luo across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and also among the Ibo of Nigeria, I found that while the specific practices may vary, they shared principles of respect for the deceased and the family unite these cultures.

One of the most pressing issues faced by these communities, however, is balancing the cultural importance of funeral rites with the growing financial burden they place on the living.

It is a topic that demands attention, especially as the cost of funerals continues to rise.

Funeral Costs in Luo Nyanza

In Luo Nyanza, funeral expenses are a significant financial strain on families, primarily due to the elaborate rites and communal participation expected.

Indeed, this is a multi-billion-shilling industry, an economy marching the county government annual expenditure, with state of the art funeral parlous across Luo nation-resting homes for the dead, finding their place.

The estimates suggest that 100 Luo’s die every day from the 4 Luo counties of Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori, giving an average of 25 deaths per county per day, with approximately 36000 deaths in a year, giving an estimated expenditure and spending of approximately KSh 20 billion annually on funerals, with the cost of a typical funeral ranging from KSh 50,000 to KSh 500,000, depending on the family’s financial status and the scale of the ceremony at a bare minimum.

This means that every year, families across the region are collectively contributing to a massive financial outlay, which places immense pressure on the living, especially those already struggling with other financial responsibilities, left with hospital bills, school fees and other intricate day to day expenses that would have been realized had the bereaved been consulted.

A Comparative Look at Burial Customs among the Ibo’s and the Acholi of Uganda.

The Luo burial customs, though unique in their specifics, share commonalities with other African cultures.

For instance, the Ibo of Nigeria also engage in elaborate burial rituals, with burials prolonged sometimes up to six months-serving as social statements and reflecting the deceased’s status and the family’s wealth during the prolonged mourning period.

While these traditions carry deep cultural significance, they often leave families in financial ruin, as they are expected to host extravagant ceremonies that can cost more than the family can afford.

This tension between cultural expectations and financial realities is not unique to the Kenyan Luos with them taking a minimum of two weeks in mourning before the burial rites are completed.

Among the Acholi Luo’s of Uganda, however, there has been a shift toward a more financially sustainable approach to funerals among the enlightened members of those communities.

The introduction of the Last Respect Burial Insurance has provided a model that could potentially be adopted by the Luo community in Kenya.

This insurance allows individuals to pay small, affordable premiums over time, ensuring that funeral costs are covered without placing undue financial strain on the family.

By striking a balance between cultural traditions and the need to avoid debt, this system has proven to be effective in providing dignified, culturally respectful burials without unnecessary extravagance.

Helping the Poor of the Poor: A Critical Challenge in Luo Nyanza

One of the most pressing issues within the Luo community is how to help the poorest families who cannot afford even the most modest of funerals.

Politicians will hardly attend these funerals or who is who in the society.

A class thing.

The burden of organizing a funeral often leads to long-lasting financial difficulties for the bereaved, especially when they are left with school fees and other debts to pay.

Traditional methods of community support, such as collective contributions from extended families, are becoming less reliable due to increasing urbanization and migration.

However, there is potential to revive these practices on a local level, a funeral merry-go-round solution or even better an insurance schemes which could provide sustainable options for families in need.

Funeral contribution initiatives, where community members contribute to a shared fund, could be a solution that supports the poor while still honoring traditional practices.

These funds could provide low-cost or even free burials for families facing financial hardship, ensuring that no one is left behind due to their inability to pay for a culturally appropriate funeral.

I doubt whether politicians can take a frontline on this-professional chapters from those communities can take over humanitarian actions to abridge the need in the societies.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity: A Path Forward

As African cultures evolve, it is crucial to find a balance between respecting traditional burial rites and addressing the financial realities of modern life.

The success of the Acholi’s Last Respect Burial Insurance shows that it is possible to have a culturally meaningful funeral without plunging families into debt.

The Luo community could benefit from adopting similar models or developing their own systems to support families in need.

The goal is to ensure that both the deceased and the living are treated with dignity, while reducing the financial burden placed on the bereaved.

Conclusion

The burial customs of the Luo community, while rich in cultural significance, carry heavy financial and emotional costs.

In the face of modern economic realities, there is a growing recognition that funeral traditions must evolve to prevent the living from being burdened by unsustainable expenses.

By embracing innovative solutions like burial insurance, community fundraising, and professional funeral caucus support programs, the Luo and other African communities can find ways to honor their dead while ensuring the well-being of the living.

It is only through such balanced approaches that the sacred duty of laying the dead to rest can remain both culturally meaningful and financially sustainable for future generations.