By Kepher Otieno

Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron continued with his annual tradition of gifting residents with unga, cooking fat, and cash tokens to celebrate Christmas.

He does it every year ahead of Christmas celebrations.

Yesterday, the beneficiaries Milka Anyango, Grace Awino, and Alice Odhiambo expressed their gratitude to the legislator for his consistent generosity and support over the years

They were happy that Oron had made it a tradition to support his constituents during the festive season.

Every year, he distributes essential goods and cash tokens to help families celebrate Christmas.

This initiative has had a significant impact on the community, providing much-needed assistance to families during the holiday season.

“The gifts of unga and cooking fat help ease the financial burden many face during this time,” said Awino.

Their testimonials highlight the positive effects of his contributions on their lives.

Oron’s consistent support reflects a deep-rooted altruistic spirit of helping the needy.

His commitment to uplifting his constituents sets a positive example for other leaders in the region.

Awino said that by distributing these gifts, Oron fosters a sense of unity among residents.

“His actions bring the community together, reinforcing social bonds during a season meant for celebration and togetherness,” she said, a statement echoed by many.

The holiday season is often a time of joy, but it can also bring financial strain.

Oron’s initiative allows families to celebrate without the added stress of providing a festive meal.

“This annual distribution not only helps families directly but also supports local businesses where he buys the items,” said Awin

When the MP purchases goods locally for these gifts, he contributes to the local economic growth and development.

The expressions of thanks from beneficiaries like Awino, Odhiambo, and Anyango demonstrate the importance of community support.

Their gratitude is a testament to the difference that kindness can make in people’s lives.

Oron’s generosity may inspire other leaders to engage in similar initiatives.

His compassionate character is an example that shows how political figures can make a tangible difference in their communities.

As the community looks forward to future celebrations, Oron’s commitment to helping his constituents remains steadfast.

“ I have resolved to make this an annual gift not only to bring joy but also to foster hope and resilience within Kisumu Central and it’s horizons,” said Oron.

He disclosed that he was financing the social programme from his pocket to the tune of Sh3.5 million every year.

By Erick Otieno

In the serene yet impoverished village of Muhuru Bay, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, a transformation is unfolding. What was once a community battling the “triple threat” of HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies, and child marriages has become a testament to the power of education and resilience, thanks to a remarkable institution: Wiser Girls Secondary School.

Founded in 2010, Wiser Girls is the brainchild of Professor Rose Ogwang Odhiambo, a daughter of the land, who overcame incredible odds to champion the empowerment of girls in a community where fishing and early marriage were the norm together with Professor Sheryl Broverman. Collaborating with Duke University students led by Andy Cunningham, Prof. Ogwang Odhiambo turned her personal story of survival into a mission to uplift others.

From Escape to Empowerment

Born in the small, bushy village of Obolo, Rose grew up in a time when female genital mutilation (FGM) was a rite of passage for girls in the Suba community. Despite the cultural pressure, she escaped this practice, crediting her survival to what she calls “God’s hand” and the unwavering support of her mother. Her mother shielded her and encouraged her education, paving the way for her to attend university and eventually become a professor of biology at Egerton University.

While teaching, Prof. Ogwang Odhiambo established a partnership with Duke University, initiating an exchange program on HIV/AIDS awareness. During a speech at Duke, she shared her firsthand experience of the struggles faced by girls in Muhuru Bay. Moved by her story, Duke students began a fundraiser to construct what would become Wiser Girls Secondary School.

A Vision Realized

Armed with funds raised by Duke University students and a donation of 10 hectares of land from her late father, Mzee Denis Ogwang, Prof. Ogwang Odhiambo and her husband, Pastor Odhiambo, faced a new challenge: water access. They purchased land closer to Lake Victoria and collaborated with UNICEF to establish a water project, ensuring the school and community had access to safe drinking water. This project now benefits not only the school but also the surrounding community and Tagache Sub-County Hospital.

Impacting Lives, One Girl at a Time

Since its inception, Wiser Girls Secondary School has become a cornerstone of hope for Muhuru Bay. According to the school principal, Mrs. Violet Sing’oei, who succeeded the retired Mrs. Dorcas Oyugi, the school has educated over 418 girls, with 54% proceeding to universities. Many of these graduates have excelled in various fields, some even returning to work at Wiser, creating a virtuous cycle of empowerment.

Wiser’s model is unique. Girls scoring 350 marks or above in primary school are admitted on a full sponsorship program, covering all expenses from Form One to Form Four. Upon admission to university, each student receives KES 50,000 to support their transition. This holistic support system has made Wiser a lifeline for orphans and girls from impoverished backgrounds. The KES 50,000 for students joining university ended in 2023 due to tough economic challenges.

“Almost every household in Muhuru Bay has a beneficiary of Wiser Girls,” says Mrs. Sing’oei proudly. The school has also expanded its intake from 30 to 45 students annually, reflecting the growing demand and success of its program.

Community Transformation

The ripple effects of Wiser’s success extend beyond education. The institution treats lake water, making it safe for community use. Most of its staff are recruited locally, fostering economic growth. Additionally, a Swiss donor sponsors the top six graduating students annually, funding their university education in fields like health, education, and IT.

For residents like Mama Caren Waga, the school is a godsend. Her two orphaned grandchildren were given full sponsorships, with one now studying at Masinde Muliro University and the other at Mawego National Polytechnic.

Mr. Charles Riaga, another local, reflects on the cultural shift brought by Wiser. “Girls used to be married off immediately after Class Eight, and cows were sold to educate boys. Today, every home has a graduate girl, thanks to Wiser.”

Challenges and Aspirations

Despite its achievements, Wiser Girls faces challenges, particularly financial strain following reduced donor funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the school remains steadfast in its mission. The dream, shared by the staff and the community, is to one day expand Wiser into a university, ensuring that no girl in Muhuru Bay is left behind.

Prof. Rose Ogwang Odhiambo’s vision has turned the tide for countless girls in Muhuru Bay. What began as a humble dream to protect girls from the triple threat of HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies, and marriages has blossomed into an institution that transforms lives, families, and an entire community. Wiser Girls is more than a school; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of education to change the world.

By Anderson Ojwang

Last Friday former President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the
final laying of the nail to the Azimio la Umoja coalition that buried
the Raila Odinga presidential vehicle in the 2022 contest.
Subsequently, it left Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya
of Martha Karua and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAPK)
Eugene Wamalwa in the political cold, which now forces them to
cobble up a new coalition ahead of the 2027 Presidential contest.
Mid this year, Narc Kenya formally gave notice to exit from the
Azimio La Umoja Coalition One Kenya Coalition.

The decision was communicated in a letter addressed to the
coalition secretary-general Junet Mohammed by Narc Kenya
acting secretary general Asha Bashir.

“Kindly take note that our stay in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya
coalition is not tenable due to the prevailing political
developments,” she said.

“As NARC Kenya by way of this letter, we are giving notice to exit
the Coalition as stipulated in the exit clause (s) in the Coalition
agreement. This notice is effective from the date of this letter,”
she added.

Karua in a tweet on X said, “Our stay in Azimio La Umoja One
Kenya Alliance is no longer tenable”.

The appointments by President Ruto of Uhuru’s key allies was the final straw that broke the coalition. The coalition was cobbled by Uhuru as a vehicle for Raila to State Houseand with the new political developments, Azimio La Umoja is now obsolete.

President Ruto first punctured the coalition when after a political
handshake with Raila who subsequently agreed to the
formation of a broad-based government.

President Ruto also declared his government would be supporting
Raila’s candidature for the chair African Union seat whose election
is scheduled for February next year.

Raila, the immediate former Orange Democratic Movement
(ODM) party leader then announced that he had quit the local
politic for the continental scene and left the party leadership to
Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang Nyong’o.

This move shook the Azimio coalition to shell with Kalonzo
declaring that he had assumed the opposition leadership and that
of Azimio la Umoja. But recently, it was reported by the Star
Newspaper where it was claimed Kalonzo saying he has no role
in Azimio.

But recently, while at a function in Kitale, Kalonzo and Wamalwa
hinted at the possibility of ditching the coalition for a new outfit.
They said the new political outfit would offer Kenyans alternative
leadership and that they were still consulting widely.

“A good idea always gives way to a better idea. What we are
thinking about is a better idea. We are looking ahead and we are
very consultative,” Kalonzo said.

Wamalwa said the new political vehicle could be ready as early as
next year.

“We are just a few days to the New Year and there are new things
that are coming and I believe there will be a new coalition and a
new government. I believe that this is the team that will save
Kenya from Corruption” Wamalwa said.

On Thursday, December 19th President Ruto brought into his
government Uhuru key allies including the Head of Azinio
Presidential secretariat and former Laikipia Governor Murithi
Nderitu and the next day, Ruto made another strategic move by
appointing Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria as the
Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board.
Mwangi wa Iria is the party leader of Usawa kwa Wote and was
among the political parties in the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
Former Gatanga MP and Presidential candidate Peter Kenneth
has also been appointed as the Chairperson of the Kenya Bureau
of Standards (KEBS) National Standards Council. Kenneth has
been the sponsor of the Kenya National Congress party and he was
one of the key allies of Raila in Mt Kenya in the last general
election.

President Ruto also appointed Raila’s top advisors Professor
Adams G.R. Oloo will henceforth serve as an advisor for strategy
and communication and Dr Silvester Okumu Kasuku as a
governance Advisor.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently hinted at a
possible alliance with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo ahead of the
2027 General Election. 

When he spoke during a funeral service in Mbooni, Makueni
County on Wednesday, December 19, Rigathi praised Kalonzo,
particularly for working with the late former President Mwai Kibaki.
As such, Gachagua noted that the Mount Kenya region owed
Kalonzo and they will pay back when the right time comes.

“We are very grateful, and we won’t forget those people from the
Wiper Party, led by Kalonzo Musyoka,that have built a friendship
that will last forever. We also won’t bother how Kalonzo helped
Kibaki in 2007, the coalition between Kalonzo and Kibaki led to
economic development that we had not seen since
independence. We forgot to pay that ‘debt’ but we will pay that
‘debt’,” he said.

Gachagua also acknowledged the support from Members of
Parliament from the Kamba community who stood with him during
and after his impeachment process.

“We are very grateful to the Kamba community; we are grateful to
Kalonzo, the Wiper Party, and the Members of Parliament. You
have shown us true friendship at a time when we are being
embarrassed by those whom we helped. We did not help you, we
helped others but they have betrayed us. However, at this time
when we are suffering, you have come to our rescue,” he said.
ODM Director of Election Junet Mohammed who spoke in Migori
said those who had been critical of ODM working with
President Ruto have now joined the broad-based government.

“People are looking for employment. You have seen those who
were critical of ODM have joined the government. We are happy with President Ruto broadening the broad-based government. We congratulate President Ruto for fostering unity in the country,” he said

Nairobi-based advocate Lumumba Ouya said the Azimio Coalition
is dead following the recent and past political monoverse that had
rocked the coalition and left it a shell.
He said at the moment the top leadership in the coalition have
been orphaned after Uhuru and Ruto recently met, which has
culminated in the key appointments.

“Uhuru and Raila were the key architects of the Azimio coalition.
The moment they had a handshake with President Ruto, the
coalition became deadwood and that is why Rigathi is coming in
as another key player and this will result in a new coalition,” he
argued.

But Ouya claimed Uhuru could be playing some games arguing
that Jeremiah Kioni and Wamalwa are his close confidants who
have remained with the Kalonzo group and have been critical of the
government.

By Billy Mijungu

Uhuru Kenyatta has proposed Mutahi Kangwe, William Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui for appointment by President William Ruto. All three hail from the Mount Kenya region, affectionately known as the “Mlima.” This move has sparked a national conversation on regional balance and inclusivity in governance.

The Constitution of Kenya envisions a government that reflects the face of the nation, a mosaic of cultures, regions, and ethnicities. Yet, Uhuru’s recommendations seem to disregard this ideal, favouring his backyard at the expense of national inclusivity.

Contrast this with the remarkable legacy of Raila Odinga, a leader who has always embodied a truly national outlook in his appointments. Whether as a Prime Minister or in his recent collaborative roles within government, Raila has consistently prioritized diversity. His Cabinet choices Joho from the Coast, Askul from the Rift Valley, Oparanya from Western, Mbadi and Wandayi from Nyanza are a testament to his deep commitment to inclusivity.

Even as Raila campaigns for the prestigious role of African Union Commission Chairperson, he stands surrounded by a team that reflects the diversity of Kenya. Few from his own backyard dominate his circle, a rare trait among Kenyan leaders. Kenya may have underestimated Raila’s greatness, but his remarkable legacy continues to shine, and one can only hope it will illuminate his work at the AUC.

Leadership should be about service, not patronage. It should be about bringing together the best minds from across the nation, regardless of tribe or region. Raila understands this. He has demonstrated that true greatness lies in putting the country above personal or tribal interests.

And yet, we find ourselves grappling with leaders who surround themselves with cronies, relatives, and political loyalists. The recent proposals underline this reality, further exacerbated by the emergence of figures like Kipchumba Murkomen as President William Ruto’s “Mr. Fix It.” Murkomen’s growing influence signals the rise of a new power dynamic within Ruto’s administration, one that prioritizes loyalty and merit.

Raila Odinga was, and remains, the President Kenya deserved but never had. His leadership style, marked by inclusivity, vision, and selflessness, offers a blueprint for the kind of governance Kenya desperately needs. As we reflect on the direction of our nation, let us remember what true leadership looks like and demand the same from those in power.

It is not too late for Kenya to embrace the ideals Raila stands for, nor is it too late for our leaders to rise above tribalism and self-interest. The future of our nation depends on it.