By Valentine Omondi

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has blown the whistle for the teams to warm up ahead of the August 10th, 2027 general election.

The Commission has now advertised two major international tenders for the supply of election technology and critical electoral materials as preparations for the next General Election gather pace.

The first tender, IEBC/OIT/01/2026-2027, seeks a supplier for the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), including hardware equipment and accessories. The contract will cover supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support, and maintenance of the system.

The tender closes on September 1, 2026, at 10 a.m. East African Time, with bidders required to submit a KSh30 million bid security.

The second tender, IEBC/OIT/02/2026-2027, covers the supply and delivery of ballot papers, tactile folders, the register of voters, and statutory election result declaration forms.

Bids for the second tender must be submitted by September 1, 2026, at 12 noon, and must be accompanied by a KSh45 million bid security.

The procurement offers an indication of the scale of preparations required before an election, combining the technological systems used in election management with the physical materials required at polling stations and during the declaration of results.

IEBC said interested bidders can inspect the tender documents at its Procurement Office on the fifth floor of Anniversary Towers, Nairobi, during working hours. The documents are also available free of charge through the commission’s website and the Public Procurement Information Portal.

Bidders who download the documents are required to notify IEBC through its procurement office to facilitate communication on any clarifications or addenda before the tender deadline.

Completed bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes marked with the relevant tender reference number and deposited at the tender box at the fifth-floor reception of Anniversary Towers.

The tender notice states that late bids will be rejected. The first tender will be opened at the 21st Floor Conference Room, while the second will be opened at the 15th Floor Conference Room at Anniversary Towers, with tenderers or their representatives allowed to attend.

The procurement comes as IEBC works to put in place the systems, equipment, and materials needed to support the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election. The commission will now face the task of ensuring that the procurement, delivery, and implementation of these critical components are completed within the required timelines.

By Team

A middle-aged man has been charged before Mombasa Law Courts with allegedly trafficking in methamphetamine weighing 14,321 grams and valued at Sh114,568,000.

The drug is suspected to be part of a Sh8.2 billion haul allegedly recovered from six Iranians with a pending court case.

Martin Mugendi Gitonga, who appeared before Mombasa Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Gladys Olimo, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was charged with conspiracy to traffic narcotic drugs contrary to Section 4(B)(4) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994, as amended by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Amendment Act, 2022.

The accused allegedly committed the offence jointly with others before the court and others not before the court on diverse dates between November 21 and 24, 2025, within the Republic of Kenya.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Christine Mbevi told the court that a related case was pending before it and that the prosecution intended to consolidate the two matters.

Mbevi informed the court that the accused persons in the related matter had been released on a surety bond of Sh5 million or, in the alternative, a cash bail of Sh3 million, and urged the court to consider similar terms.

The accused, through his lawyer, pleaded with the court to consider releasing him on reasonable bond terms, arguing that he has no previous criminal records.

He added that he was willing to abide by the conditions given by the court, including not interfering with witnesses.

The defence also asked the prosecution to supply Gitonga with all documentary evidence it intends to rely on during the trial.

Magistrate Olimo granted Gitonga a bond of Sh2 million with two sureties, or an alternative cash bail of Sh2 million, with two contact persons.

The case will be mentioned on August 30, 2026.

The matter is related to a case involving the six Iranians: Nia Jasem Darzadeh, Jadgal Nadeem Abdulgani, Baloch Hassan, Baloch Imran Mustafa, Baksh Rahim Goharam, and Daryayi Imtiyaz.

The DPP has closed the prosecution’s case in the Iranian matter.

By Valentine Omondi

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that the killing of Mt Elgon politician Nathan Masai Wasama was politically instigated.

Gachagua has demanded the immediate arrest of the key plotters behind the killing of Masai.

“Intelligence reports say Masai was killed for political reasons and that he had become so popular and was a threat to the political quo,” he said.

The detectives investigating the fatal shooting of businessman and former local politician Nathan Masai Wasama have arrested three suspects as efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding his killing intensify.

Wasama, 61, was shot dead on the night of August 8, 2026, at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The latest arrests were announced by the DCI on Wednesday, August 12, as detectives continued pursuing leads to establish the motive for the killing and identify all those involved.

Surrender

On Wednesday, two more suspects wanted in connection with the murder of Masai surrendered to the police.

Robert Kimutai Psisei, alias Robert Miti, surrendered at Cheptais Police Station. He was arrested, escorted, and booked at Sirisia Police Station.

Another suspect, Brian Chongin Kaos, surrendered at Chwele Police Station, where he was taken into custody.

The two suspects are among those in custody as detectives continue with investigations, with all suspects expected to be arraigned in court to face the law once investigations are complete.

How the shooting unfolded

Preliminary investigations indicate that four men arrived at the trading centre on two motorcycles before one of the pillion passengers alighted and walked into Wasama’s shop.

The suspect allegedly shot Wasama before fleeing the scene with the accomplices on the motorcycles.

A woman was also shot and injured during the incident. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains admitted in stable condition.

The killing has since triggered an intensive investigation, with detectives following leads believed to be helping them piece together the events before and after the shooting.

The first breakthrough came when detectives arrested Oscar Koech Sakong, who is among those suspected of being linked to the killing.

More arrests and weapons recovered

The investigation widened on August 11 when detectives, acting on a search warrant, raided a residence in Marigo Village, Cheptais Location.

The operation led to the arrest of two more suspects, identified as Wycliffe Chesubei Ngeiwa, alias Chota, and Geoffrey Makwere Masai.

Detectives also recovered several items during the operation, including a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes, a crowbar, three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives, and five arrows.

Three motorcycles, two mobile phones, and an iPod were also recovered.

The three suspects are currently in custody as detectives process them for arraignment and seek custodial orders to allow investigations to continue.

The arrests, however, have not brought the investigation to an end. Detectives are still pursuing additional suspects and working to establish the motive behind Wasama’s killing.

The DCI has cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified allegations that could prejudice the case, interfere with investigations, or threaten public safety.

Police have also appealed to anyone with credible information that could help identify or apprehend the remaining suspects to report to the authorities.

For investigators, the focus now shifts to connecting the suspects to the August 8 shooting, determining why Wasama was targeted, and establishing whether the items recovered during the operation were connected to the crime.

As the probe continues, the arrests provide detectives with their first major breakthrough in a killing that left a businessman and former local politician dead and another person nursing gunshot injuries.

By Hope Barbra

Kenyans must learn to depoliticise national development plans to enable them to transcend regimes and stir transformational growth.

CEC Finance Kisumu and a member of the Beyond 2030 conversation, Mr George Omondi Okongo, said one of the lessons they learnt during the drafting was that countries that managed to realise transformation in a short period of time are those that managed to develop national development plans that transcend regimes.

“We must learn to depoliticise national development plans and look at them from a different lens. We cannot afford to look at all issues from a political lens,” he said.

Okongo, who spoke during a TV interview, said the document that the Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o-led team recently handed to President William Ruto was not Vision 2060 but a footpath to a national conversation on the country’s vision.

“The document that was presented to President Ruto did not have mention of Vision 2060, but it was left for broader discussion. The thing about this country is that you can get people discussing a very wrong thing because many people do not read but want to discuss,” he said.

He said the timing was right because Kenya is ever in a political mood all the time, and it would be detrimental to put aside the important conversation because the country is heading to the elections.

“The institutions and the people who will be in charge of the conversation must ensure it is depoliticised. How much time do you need to produce a long-term national vision development plan as a successor to Vision 2030?” he asked.

Separately, President Ruto said Kenya has made tremendous strides in many sectors under Vision 2030, launched in 2008 by President Mwai Kibaki.

“Across the country, we have witnessed the transformation of our infrastructure and the delivery of landmark projects, including the Lamu Port, the Isiolo-Moyale road, and the Nairobi Expressway, among others,” he said.

He said the achievements have expanded opportunity, strengthened connectivity, and laid a strong foundation for the nation’s future.

“As Vision 2030 approaches the end of its course, we gathered at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre to begin an important national conversation: What comes next?” he said.

Ruto said that was not simply a question about another plan or another set of targets. It is an invitation to imagine, together, the Kenya we want to become not only in the next decade, but also deep into the future.

“The defining character of this new endeavour must be that it is citizen-led and people-centred. It must draw its ambition, ideas and aspirations from the people of Kenya,” he said.

He said the government will not prescribe this vision. Instead, it will only play a facilitative role, creating the space, platforms and institutions through which Kenyans can shape the future they desire.

“Our future must be designed through the collective imagination, wisdom and participation of the citizens – youth, entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, academia, civil society and religious groups, among others. We are grateful to the team of distinguished scholars, led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Prof Hiroyuki Hino, for laying the intellectual foundation for this important conversation,” he said.

By Odiwuor Alala

Leadership transitions in Kenya are rarely gentle; they demand a calculated balance of fortitude, political wisdom, and long-term vision. As Nyanza navigates a defining political epoch, the trajectory of Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo offers a compelling study in resilience and divine preservation.

In Luo cultural tradition, the metaphor of “Bend Aburu” describes a force or pillar that yields to heavy winds without snapping, emerging intact when the storm subsides. Dr Omollo has increasingly embodied this resilience on the national stage. Rising through administrative ranks with quiet efficiency, he has established himself as a central figure in executive governance and regional development.

However, political prominence inevitably attracts political opportunism.

For Dr Omollo’s leadership to endure beyond current political cycles, a clear-eyed assessment of his surrounding ecosystem is essential. History in Kenyan politics repeats itself with painful regularity: short-term allies often smile for political convenience while preparing to dismantle rising leaders when strategic interests dictate. Relying on recycled political elites or transitional heirs—who have historically prioritised self-preservation over broader community interests—presents an existential risk to any long-term political project.

The imperative for Dr Omollo is clear: he must forge a distinct, self-sustaining political machinery.

Rather than leaning on inherited structures, the strategic objective must be the cultivation of a grounded, loyal grassroots network. Building strategic alignment with leaders across all tiers—from Governors to Members of County Assemblies—creates an enduring structure capable of weathering upcoming political realignments.

Nyanza requires strong, visionary representation capable of commanding respect at the national negotiation table. Avoiding the trap of political self-cannibalisation is not merely a personal imperative for Dr Omollo; it is a necessity for the region’s broader development agenda in the post-election landscape. The window to build, solidify, and lead is now open.

By Anderson Ojwang

The simmering battle between Governor James Orengo and Speaker George Okode has burst open after the assembly wrote to the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) seeking an advisory opinion over irregular appointments in Siaya County Government.

The bone of contention between Orengo and Okode has been over the appointment of the CEC for Finance in the new cabinet appointments by the Governor.

According to Okode, George Nyangiro was first appointed CEC for Roads but was also made to act as CEC for Finance after the resignation of the office holder.

“The term for all the CEC members expired, positions were advertised and filled. For the nominee for CEC Finance, the Assembly rejected and asked the Governor to appoint a new one. But the Governor went ahead to give Nyangiro two-month contracts as CEC Finance, which was in contravention of the law,” he said.

Okode said the Assembly rejected the nominee because he did not have the requisite qualification for the CEC Finance position.

“We decided to seek the opinion of the Ombudsman after Orengo refused to listen to us, and we have been vindicated,” he said.

And the Ombudsman has directed Orengo to revoke the purported extension of the appointment of Nyangiro dated 29th May 2026 and proceed to nominate a qualified nominee to the County Assembly for approval.

In a letter by the Clerk of the Assembly dated 16th June 2026, the Commission’s guidance was sought on several appointments and extensions of tenure which the Assembly alleged had been undertaken in contravention of the Constitution of Kenya, the Office of the County Attorney Act, 2020, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and other applicable instruments.

The Assembly had raised concerns relating to compliance with the Constitution, the rule of law, separation of powers, accountability, and proper exercise of executive authority.

Findings

To resolve the identified concerns, the Commission advised and directed that the Governor of Siaya County should immediately revoke all the appointments, acting appointments, contract extensions, renewals, and redesignations found in the advisory opinion to have been made in contravention of the Constitution and applicable law.

That the Governor shall ensure that every appointment, acting appointment, renewal of contracts, extension of tenure, redesignation, or reappointment to an office requiring County Assembly approval is submitted to the County Assembly for prior approval in accordance with the Constitution and applicable statutes.

Revoke

That upon the revocation of the unlawful appointments, the Governor should immediately commence lawful recruitment processes for all affected offices and submit qualified nominees to the County Assembly for approval.

The Governor should immediately commence a competitive recruitment process for the office of County Secretary and the Director of Governor’s Press.

That the conduct of the Governor and CEC Nyangiro should be referred to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for investigation into possible violations of the Leadership and Integrity Act.

Irregular appointments

The Commission found that the appointment of Peter Asuke as acting Chief Officer was done without the approval of the County Assembly for an indefinite period and without meeting the prescribed academic qualifications.

The appointment of the County Solicitor as acting County Attorney was done without the required County Assembly approval or compliance with the statutory appointment procedure under the Office of the County Attorney Act, 2020.

Okode recently declared his gubernatorial interest for Siaya County and is leaning towards Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga.

Orengo is the party leader of the yet-to-be-registered Linda Mwananchi, a faction in ODM after a fallout.

In the Linda Mwananchi group are immediate former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, among others.

By Hope Barbra

If the Kisumu gubernatorial election is to be determined by development record, then founding Governor Jack Ranguma is the man to beat.

Ranguma starts the race on a strong foot with over 100,000 block votes he garnered in the 2017 and 2022 general elections.

In his first term as governor, Ranguma rolled out a total of 1,157 projects in all sectors.

“But I want to say this: during my reign, Kisumu witnessed significant growth in all sectors. For instance, we constructed a total of 522 roads. We constructed 500 kilometres of road,” he said.

Ranguma, who declared his bid for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat, said during his tenure he constructed 95 dispensaries and equipped them with drugs and staff in all the seven sub-counties.

“I employed over 900 health workers and ensured adequate medical supplies to all the health facilities,” he said.

Ranguma said he made Kisumu County a 24-hour economy by installing 45 solar floodlights in all the big markets in all the seven sub-counties.

The Governor Jack Ranguma scholarship was a milestone for needy and bright students, with 280 beneficiaries, while they gave bursaries to over 10,000 students.

“I introduced a school feeding programme and constructed 68 Early Childhood Education centres which promoted education,” he said.

Ranguma said during his tenure, his administration was able, for the first time in history, to control floods in Nyando and other sub-counties through desilting and excavation of river banks.

He said his government managed to tackle water insecurity in the county by drilling and equipping 80 boreholes.

“My development agenda also tackled the informal sector – boda boda – of which we took some to Rwanda on an exchange programme to learn about the industry’s dynamics. We also constructed boda boda shades and started Saccos for the sector,” he said.

Millionaires

Ranguma said in his first tenure as governor of Kisumu, he created millionaires.

“We created a conducive environment for business to thrive and paid contractors and suppliers promptly,” he said.

Pending bills

Ranguma said his administration left a pending bill of Sh800 million, of which they had allocated Sh800 million to pay contractors and suppliers in the new financial year.

Currently, Kisumu County Government has a pending bill of Sh5.9 billion, with the Senate expressing concern over the bulging debt portfolio.

“I want to state that when I left office, the pending bill at the close of the financial year was Sh800 million, and in our kitty we had the funds to pay for the pending bill.”

At the Senate, the pain and suffering of the county was laid bare by the Senators over what they termed as a huge burden of Sh5.9 billion pending bill debt Nyong’o will be passing over to his successor.

Sadly, when Nyong’o took over from Ranguma, the pending bill in his term was only Sh800 million, and funds for payment of the bills had been allocated.

And the Senate Public Accounts Committee Chairman Moses Kajwang’ asked Nyong’o whether he was planning to hand over Sh5.9 billion debt to the next administration.

“Are you planning to hand over Sh5.9 billion debt to the next administration? What is the plan, because these responses, whatever is on paper, is just accounting speak. You close that year with Sh5.9 billion as debt. Whether it is legal fees or whether it is one year old or ten years old, but after 10 years of being in office, would you be handing over Sh5.9 billion as unpaid debt to the next administration?” he asked.

Kajwang’ said there was serious concern over Sh5.9 billion of unpaid pending bills, while the revenue for the year was Sh9 billion, which exceeded the debt-to-revenue ratio capped at 20 percent but was at a high of over 60 percent.

“Do you have a payment plan, and have you submitted it to the Controller of Budget, and to what extent has this debt been reduced?” he said.

The senators questioned the sharp rise in pending bills to Sh5.9 billion, demanding a clear strategy on how the county intends to reduce the debt burden.

The committee interrogated Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and county officials over what it described as a 108 per cent increase in pending bills within a single financial year.

Respect for Nyong’o

Ranguma said he respects Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and that he has done his part in development.

“I do not have any ill feeling towards anyone. He was my political mentor. Politics is a game played; you win and lose altogether, but we join hands for a common purpose, which is development,” he said.

Declaration

“This morning, I stand before you once again to declare my intention to seek the seat of Governor for Kisumu to complete and rehabilitate the projects we undertook but which have now collapsed. I know what it takes to turn around the economy of Kisumu and give hope to everyone – to revive the Kisumu business sector, rehabilitate the collapsed access roads, and tackle the rising water insecurity in the region. I am a prudent financial manager, tested and proven. I want to recreate our millionaires and make Kisumu City shine again,” Ranguma said.

“I have not come to make wealth but to serve our people. To improve staff welfare through capacity building, training, and promotions where possible. To the great people of Kisumu, I kindly come to you to support my candidature to work for you. In JR, it is service to the people.”

“Members of the Press, the great people of Kisumu, Ladies and Gentlemen, and all protocol observed. This morning, we gather here on 10th August 2026, a year to the next general election. Today is a special day; it marks a new dispensation. A return of a journey of development and growth for Kisumu County, which was nipped in the bud prematurely in 2017. It was not cut short because we did not perform, but because of emerging political expediency at that time. We have remained respectful to the current leadership and granted them the opportunity to serve. For two terms they have served; I will allow the residents to judge for themselves because I will not be a judge. Together, we can bring the glory back to Kisumu.”