By Sandra Blessing

Kisumu County has been ranked second nationally with 111,367 people living with HIV/AIDS, as the region recorded 1,341 new HIV infections this year. Out of the new cases, 361 were men while women accounted for 755.

The county also reported a total of 1,166 HIV-related deaths, with 1,050 being adults and 135 adolescents and young adults.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Fred Oluoch, said the county’s prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) coverage stands at 99.3 percent, a milestone that has enabled mothers to deliver HIV-free babies and improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV.

He noted that the planned rollout of injectable PrEP next year will be a transformative step in HIV prevention, reducing pill burden, supporting better adherence, and modernizing treatment approaches.

“By integrating HIV services with NCDs, reproductive health, and mental health, we are building a unified system that ensures no one is left behind. This is especially important for adolescents and young mothers who may require multiple services across the continuum of care,” he said.

Dr. Oluoch expressed concern over rising new infections among adolescents, noting that 49 percent of new adult HIV infections occur among adolescents and young people aged 15–24 years. He added that teenage pregnancies and widening social vulnerabilities continue to expose young people to higher HIV risk.

“Teenage pregnancies are not just statistics—they are red flags for sexual violence, inequality, interrupted education, and increased HIV risk,” he said.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya has 1,326,336 people living with HIV, and the country requires Ksh30 billion annually to sustain essential commodities for prevention, care, and long-term management.

“These numbers remind us that this fight is not just medical, but a national duty to protect our people and secure the well-being of future generations,” he said.

Mudavadi warned that the country must urgently bridge the financial gap to ensure adequate medicines and prevention supplies for the more than 1.3 million Kenyans living with HIV. He issued the remarks on Sunday, November 30, 2025, while representing President William Ruto at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration held at Nyayo Stadium.

By Hope Barbra

It may sound stranger than fiction, but it is the naked truth. At the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT) Kisii Campus, fraud appears to have taken root.

Students are allegedly required to pay a “facilitation” fee of KSh3,100 to secure a pass in the NTSA-administered exams, and failure to pay results in an automatic fail.

Reports also indicate that KIHBT instructors have been collecting school fees directly in cash or through their personal mobile phone numbers and those of proxies—contrary to college regulations, which require all fees to be paid strictly via the designated school pay bill number.

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), on 28th November 2025, officers obtained search warrants and conducted a search operation at the KIHBT Kisii Campus.

The officers also searched the residences of three officials from KIHBT and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in relation to an alleged bribery ring at the institute.

The operation followed reports that instructors in the Plant Operation Department had been soliciting and receiving bribes from students scheduled to undertake test-drive exams.

It was alleged that the demanded amounts were meant to “facilitate” a pass in the NTSA-administered exams.

Further reports indicate that KIHBT instructors have also been collecting school fees directly in cash and through their personal mobile phone numbers and those of proxies, contrary to college regulations that require payments to be made strictly via the designated pay bill number.

Preliminary investigations have established the following:

• The syndicate was operated by two KIHBT instructors: Philip Dawa and Fidel Omondi.
• All students were required to pay a “facilitation” fee of KSh3,100, collected in cash by Fidel Omondi, in order to pass the driving test exams; those who did not pay were automatically failed.
• The money collected by Omondi was shared between NTSA examiners and the two KIHBT instructors.
• After paying the KSh3,100 facilitation fee, some students did not undertake the actual practical exams but still received passing marks and certificates.
• The required tuition fee for the KIHBT campus is KSh65,000, payable strictly via a designated pay bill number, with an additional KSh1,050 for registration.
• Students who opted to pay instructors directly were charged KSh40,000 instead of the mandatory KSh65,000.
• In the last three years, Philip Dawa transacted over KSh34 million via M-Pesa using two mobile numbers, while Fidel Omondi made M-Pesa transactions totaling KSh8 million within the same period.

The operation led to the arrest of Fidel Omondi, from whom KSh171,000 was recovered in an envelope inside his jacket, in addition to other critical evidentiary materials confiscated for analysis and further investigation.

The suspect was processed at the Kisii Police Station pending completion of investigations.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points and encouraged members of the public to report any unethical conduct.

By Hope Barbra

What seems like just paying Sh500 to Labor officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to fast-track and facilitate the clearance of migrants traveling to the Middle East may look small and harmless—just a drop in the ocean.
But wait: this is a multi-million-shilling cartel operation.

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), surveillance confirmed that agents sending migrant workers to the Middle East were indeed paying KSh500 per worker before the workers were cleared to travel.

Data reported by Kenyan news sources shows that over 200,000 Kenyans were employed abroad in the two-year period of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, with a significant number going to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 194,320 of these placements.

Using the EACC figures, if each worker paid Sh500 and the total number of migrant workers to the Middle East in the last two years stands at about 200,000, the amount collected comes to a staggering KSh100 million—easy money earned without breaking a sweat.

Yesterday, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested three Ministry of Labor officials based at JKIA for allegedly extorting agents who facilitate migrant workers traveling to the Middle East.

The arrests followed a report alleging that Ministry of Labor officials at JKIA routinely solicited and received bribes for each migrant worker traveling to the Middle East, prompting the start of an inquiry.

On 30th November 2025, the Commission carried out an operation in collaboration with one of the agents, who had 78 migrant workers traveling to the Middle East.

At JKIA, the agent met the three labor officers manning the booth. After tallying the total number of workers, the officers demanded and received KSh34,000.

EACC investigators immediately moved in, arrested the suspects, and recovered the KSh34,000 from them.
The arrested officials are Benson Ouma Okello, Esther Njoki Gakuru, and Denis Marias.

The three suspects were escorted to Integrity Centre for processing and statement recording. They were later released on a cash bail of KSh50,000 each, pending completion of investigations.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to tackling bribery at service delivery points to restore public trust and ensure equitable access to quality services for all citizens.

By Hope Barbra

Security officers attached to Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga were forced to scare away about 10 goons who allegedly attempted to seize a county government vehicle he was using during a function in Nairobi.

Magwanga said he had attended a coffee revival meeting organized by Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya at Nairobi’s Cooperative College, and upon exiting the venue, a group of about 10 men surrounded his vehicle.

He claimed the men told him they had been sent to recover the vehicle following his removal as CEC in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development.

“My security and that of the institution had to scare away the goons before I drove out. This move was meant to embarrass me. It’s unfortunate that we are resorting to goon tactics instead of embracing dialogue,” he said.

He insisted that the governor should follow the laid-down procedure to reclaim the vehicle, adding that by law, he is authorized to use it.

Magwanga claimed that by sacking Dr. Peter Ogallo, Governor Wanga had reneged on a pre-election pact they signed before the late Raila Odinga, and that she was taking advantage of Raila’s absence to dishonor the agreement.

“It is me who brought Ogallo to the cabinet. Sacking him without any consultation or reason is a direct affront to me. Let’s see how this ends,” he said in a telephone interview.

Earlier in the morning, the entire wing housing the Deputy Governor’s office, the County Secretary’s office, and Human Resource offices was locked, with padlocks and keys changed.

Wanga also relieved Magwanga of his duties as the CEC in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development and appointed Danish Onyango—currently the CEC for Roads—to act in the position.

She also sacked Dr. Peter Ogalo as CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, nominating Joseph Mitito to replace him.

Announcing the changes on her X handle, Wanga wrote: “Official Announcement. We’ve made changes to the membership of the county executive committee, effective immediately. This restructuring initiates a new phase of focused administration for our county.”

In a press statement, Magwanga condemned the decision to lock his office, calling it unethical, illegal, and an alarming display of impunity and abuse of power.

“This is a calculated political power play aimed at undermining my office and obstructing the functions of county governance. We must remember that no individual holds a public office as personal property. These offices are held temporarily on behalf of the people,” he wrote.

He said political differences and dissenting opinions must be resolved through dialogue, respect, and lawful means—not intimidation, exclusion, or misuse of authority. “This toxic approach must end,” he said.

Magwanga questioned why Governor Wanga and County Secretary Prof. Benard Muok were absent after directing that the offices be locked.

“The top leadership should have been around after locking the offices and changing the keys. Why are they not in the office?” he asked.

The fallout between Wanga and Magwanga escalated during the Kasipul by-election, where Wanga campaigned for ODM candidate Boyd Were, who defeated independent candidate Philip Aroko. Aroko was supported by Magwanga alongside former Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero, former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, among others.

Last Friday, while speaking at a funeral in Homa Bay, Wanga admitted to divisions within her government and vowed to act against those undermining her administration.

She said she was fully prepared for a fierce 2027 gubernatorial contest, describing it as a “battle royale.”

Wanga also told those unhappy with her administration to leave, saying she would bring in new people willing to work.

She added that she would no longer tolerate insubordination or corruption, insisting that only those committed to serving the people of Homa Bay would remain in her government.

The governor said some of the people she appointed had shown disloyalty and would soon be shown the door, emphasizing that it had taken a great struggle for her to become governor.

Wanga warned that the 2027 race would be a tough battle, declaring that any opponent who defeats her “will not have an easy time doing so.”

By Hope Barbra

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has cracked the whip by locking her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, out of his office and relieving him of his duties as the Committee Executive Member in charge of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development.

Wanga also sacked Dr. Peter Ogalo as the CEC in charge of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development.
She also nominated Joseph Mitito to be the CEC in charge of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development.

In a press statement, Wanga replaced Magwanga with Danish Onyango, who will act in the position alongside his current portfolio as CEC Roads.

“In order to enhance service delivery, to better serve the people of Homa Bay County, while exercising powers bestowed on me as the Governor and pursuant to Sections 30, 31 and 35 of the County… The changes herein take effect immediately. The County Secretary is tasked to ensure smooth handing over by those affected,” she wrote.

On Sunday, Wanga’s administration moved to change the locks and keys to the Deputy Governor’s office, and this morning the employees at the office were stranded outside.

“The employees at the Deputy Governor’s office are here sitting at the waiting bay. They cannot access the office and are waiting for directions and guidance from the Governor’s office, and they have been told to go back home,” said sources at the county.

Magwanga confirmed that the block housing his office, the County Secretary’s office, and Human Resource staff was locked and workers could not access it.

“I don’t know who has been locked out. I don’t know whether it is the Deputy Governor or the County Secretary and Human Resource staff,” he said.

Magwanga claimed goons had been brought to man the county headquarters and questioned why an administrative issue was being politicized.

“I will go to work as usual. We cannot allow jungle law to take over the management of the county government. I am keenly looking at the events as things unfold. We cannot resort to jungle law,” he said.

Magwanga wondered why Wanga directed the office to be locked, yet she and the County Secretary Prof. Benard Muok were out of the office.

“The top leadership should have been around after locking the access and changing the keys. Why are they not in the office?” he asked.

The battle between Wanga and Magwanga exploded during the Kasipul by-election, where the former campaigned for ODM candidate Boyd Were, who defeated independent candidate Philip Aroko.

Aroko was supported by Magwanga and a combined team including former Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero, former Governor Okoth Obado, among others.

Last Friday at a funeral in Homa Bay, Wanga admitted a split in her government and promised to crack the whip on those who do not want to work but talk badly about her administration while still serving in it.

Speaking at the funeral, Wanga said she was adequately prepared to face her opponents for the gubernatorial seat in 2027, terming it a battle royal.

“Kom mar governor abedie higni apar. Kendo ng’ama obiro ni dwa dware odhi romo gin yar wang’aya ka. Athuon ka adhi kendo ka aduogo.”
(“I will serve my two terms as governor. Whoever wants to challenge me will meet the daughter of Wang’aya. I am brave and not a coward.”)

Wanga asked those unhappy with her administration to pack and go so she can bring in new people.

“To chieng’ ma owinjo ni sirkal rach ma ok onyal tiye, to ogwe tawo oweyo to ja-Kanyada machielo bende. Mano ekaka gini timore. Koso jo-Kanyada orumo ma nyalo tiyo.”
(“If they are not happy with the government, let them resign and leave so that we can get new people from Kanyada who can work.”)

Wanga said she will sack those who do not want to work in her government and has adopted a new mentality.

“Omiyo an be koro awuok mager adwaro pidho rasta koro sani. Ng’ama ok dwa tich inje. Ng’ama dwaro tiyo ne jopiny ndani. Ng’ama dwaro pesa ma ikawo here and there inje. Ng’ama oyie ni nyalo tiyo ne jopiny kod misara michule cha ndani.”
(“I will no longer tolerate insubordination. I have developed a new mentality. If you want to work, you are welcome. If you want corruption, you face the boot.”)

The ODM national chairperson said she will no longer tolerate misbehavior in her government and may request new officers.

“Mano e mbaka ma an adwa goyo koro. Kama achopie ni. Ka anyisou ni miya uru joma oyie tich utim kamano. Umiya joma oyie tich. Wati mondo water Homa Bay mbele.”
(“Where I am now, I don’t want to talk about insubordination. I may ask you to give me new people who are willing to work so we move Homa Bay forward.”)

Wanga admitted that some people she employed were disloyal and she will soon crack the whip.

“Nyocha amiyo jo-Kanyada tich, to jo-Kanyada ma dwaro tich ema nyalo tiyo. Ng’ato ok nyal tiyo e sirkandi to owuoyo marach e wi sirkandi. Nikech sirkal manyo tek. Ne awuotho e piny ka malich ka asedo ka nyamarende kendo agonyo ma abarora ndasi.”
(“I employed people from Kanyada, but only those willing to work will remain. You cannot work in government and insult it. I struggled so much to become Governor.”)

Wanga promised her opponents in the 2027 gubernatorial election a battle of titans, saying even if she loses, the victor will appreciate her might.

“Wadwa lawore e dier pap kaye kweli. Ma be ka en wuoyi oloyo to bende owinjo ndi.”
(“It will be a fierce battle in the campaign trail. If he is a man and he defeats me, he will feel the weight.”)

By Anderson Ojwang

The dust over the byelection has finally settled. The celebrations are dying, and it is time to take stock. Winners and losers. The gaps and loopholes in the byelection.

President William Ruto’s Broad Based Alliance emerged as the winner of all the six parliamentary and a senatorial by-election, humbling the United Opposition.

The Broad Based Alliance humbled the Kalonzo Musyoka team in the byelection to secure the bargaining rights ahead of the 2027 General Election, but Ruto’s team faltered and fumbled heavily in the ward by-elections.

If anything, the United Opposition earned a sweet victory and left a powerful statement to Ruto on who is with the people and revealed the gaping loopholes the President’s team failed to read in the contest.

The slim victory in Malava and Mbeere North after heavy investment and high-voltage campaigns by the President’s lieutenants failed to replicate the same machinery in Kubuchai–Chwele Ward in Bungoma, Kisa East in Kakamega, Ekerenyo and Nyansiongo Wards in Nyamira, Kariobangi North in Nairobi, Narok Town in Narok County, and Mumbuni North in Machakos.

The bullish President, who spoke during the launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, celebrated the victory of the seven parliamentary seats by candidates aligned with the Broad Based Government, terming it as confidence in his administration by the voters.

Ruto dismissed the United Opposition as lacking a substantive agenda, spreading politics of hate and personal attacks, and failing to read the mood of the country.

“Nyinyi watu wa chuki, watu wa ukabila, nyinyi ambao mnaendesha sijui wantam, Kasongo na must-go. Hiyo si sera, tafuteni sera. Na niliwaambia wasipotafuta sera watachelewa” (You people of hate, tribalism, you drivers of one-term narrative. That is not a manifesto; look for an agenda. I told you if you don’t have an agenda you will lose), he said.

Ruto exuded confidence in winning the 2027 General Election, terming the opposition as clueless with no agenda for the electorate.

“Nishawaambia majamaa, wakiendelea na hii, tutawazamisha asubuhi na mapema” (I have told these people if they continue this way, we will defeat them early in the morning), he said.

UDA, the ruling party, emerged victorious in four constituencies during the by-elections: in Mbeere North where Leo Wamuthende won, in Malava where David Ndakwa emerged victorious, and in Banisa where Ahmed Hassan won. In the Baringo senatorial election, Kiprono Chemitei clinched the seat.

The Broad Based partner, the Orange Democratic Movement, won in its strongholds of Nyanza and the coastal region, with Boyd Were winning Kasipul, Moses Omondi riding to victory in Ugunja, and Harrison Kombe winning Magarini.

But Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, in his argument, was more guarded, saying the by-elections were mostly tainted by legalities and election offences.

“Any win cannot be a win, which you can clearly claim made the threshold as laid out in our Constitution. I expect legal challenges going forward with respect to these elections.
It was very sad to see MP Kaluma Opondo attacked and several MPs chased away and attacked in various polling stations. People’s properties were destroyed and the institutions charged with maintaining law and order, and IEBC must come out and take action,” he said.

Omondi said each of the by-elections should be looked at and determined individually to understand their true implication in the future political dispensation.

“Each election has to be looked at individually. Each election presents different implications. Overall, if you look at all the by-elections, in terms of the United Opposition and the Broad Based Government, there was a contest.
The United Opposition is demonstrating they can stand up to the pressure of the government in all these byelections, which is quite significant,” he argued.

He said the ward by-elections candidly showed how the regions are likely to vote in the 2027 elections and the direction they have taken.

“If you look at the ward by-election in Kisii, they will give you a direction as to what the Kisii nation is thinking and to what direction they are likely to go.
The same applies to the ones in Western Kenya, and for the government, even if they won — and they won narrowly — the resources deployed have been massive.
It is not about who has won but the direction they are taking you. What is beginning to emerge is that there is a very strong opposition to the government in Western Kenya.
You can see that from the ward by-elections and the constituency of Malava. It is a close race,” he said.

He said the General Election will present a different playing ground and will be different from the byelections.

“In 2027, there will be 1,450 ward elections, 290 parliamentary elections and 47 counties. It will not be what we are seeing today.
If you look at each byelection individually and how they will affect a political party or a formation, then you will understand the significance of the byelections.
It shows you that in Mt Kenya, the government is still present in the case of Mbeere North, but it is under serious onslaught.
Winning byelections doesn’t mean you will win the General Election,” he said.

For President Ruto, he needs to go back to the drawing board and seal the ward loopholes which may be an impediment; while for the opposition, they need to invest heavily in the wards, because that is where the votes are.

By Remmy Butia

An 81-year-old guard was brutally murdered in the early hours of Sunday during a suspected robbery attempt at Chebonet Coffee Mill in Songhor Sub-location.

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, was confirmed by the office of the Assistant Chief of Songhor Sub-location.

The deceased has been identified as Mr Joseph Bitok, a resident of Chemutia in Chemelil Location, who was on duty as a watchman at the mill.

According to a preliminary incident report dated 30 November 2025, the tragedy occurred at around 3:30 a.m. A group of thieves allegedly attacked the mill with the intent to steal approximately 100 bags of coffee. During the confrontation, Mr Bitok was fatally wounded.

A swift response from police on patrol led to the arrest of one suspect who was reportedly transporting coffee on a motorcycle. However, two accomplices on the same motorbike managed to evade capture and fled the scene.

Authorities have since confirmed that a second individual has been taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests to two.

As of Sunday morning, a joint operation involving police and members of the public was underway. Local volunteers were meticulously combing through the vast sugar cane plantations surrounding the area in a determined search for the remaining suspects who are still at large.

The body of the deceased has been moved to a nearby mortuary as police continue with their investigations.

The murder of Mzee Bitok has raised serious concerns about the security of agricultural storage facilities in the region, which are often targets for theft. Local leaders are expected to address the public later today.